Portable device docking station

ABSTRACT

An external expanding apparatus or “docking station” operable with a portable computer device of a type having a display unit having a display screen on an inner surface thereof and a hard shell backing surface opposite thereof and pivotally mounted on a substantially rigid casing having a pair of locating holes adjacent to opposite corners of a substantially planar bottom surface thereof, and an input/output (I/O) connector positioned on a back plane thereof with a pair of positioning apertures provided on opposite sides thereof.

The present application is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/480,666 filed in the name of the inventor of the present application on Jun. 30, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,298,611, as amended on Nov. 27, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to trays for holding portable devices, and in particular to quick release docking stations for portable computers and other portable electronics devices having one or more input/output (I/O) communication ports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable notebook-type computers using a built-in battery pack power source are generally well-known and have an advantage in being handy to carry about and freely used even in those places which are not accessible to the commercial power supply.

Such computers are compact in design for higher portability, so that their standard functions are inevitably more limited than those of desktop computers. Accordingly, such portable computers are generally provided with one or more connectors and ports for function expansion, usually on the rear face of its casing which supports a keyboard and a display unit. These computers are additionally furnished with new functions by connecting peripheral devices, such as a hard disk drive, mouse, printer, etc., to the connectors and ports.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a notebook-type portable computer 1 for use as a portable electronic device which is connected to an external expanding apparatus, commonly referred to as a “docking station.” The computer 1 includes a plastic casing 2 serving as an apparatus body. The casing 2 is in the form of a flat generally rectangular box having a bottom face 2 a and a top face 2 b, which extend generally parallel to each other, and a front face 2 c, a rear face 2 d, and side faces 2 e and 2 f, which are continuous with the bottom and top faces 2 a and 2 b. At least one such computer casing 2 further includes a tongue 2 g projected from the front face 2 c and having a bottom face 2 h which may be continuous with the bottom face 2 a of the casing 2, a top face 2 i which extends generally parallel to the bottom face 2 h, and a front face 2 j that is spaced away from the casing front face 2 c. The tongue 2 g may include side surfaces 2 k and 2 l extending between the computer casing front surface 2 c and the tongue front face 2 j. Other surfaces of the casing 2, such as one of the side faces 2 e, 2 f may includes additional features, such as but not limited to a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM 3 a and a main power switch 3 b.

Arranged on the top face 2 b of the casing 2, as illustrated in FIG. 1, is a keyboard 7 which is used to input information and commands. A pair of display supporting portions 8 a and 8 b, left and right, are formed at the rear end portion of the top face 2 b. A flat display unit 9 having a thickness t is connected to the display supporting portions 8 a and 8 b. The display unit 9 is rotated about a hinge axis h on a pair of legs 10 a and 10 b, left and right, which are pivotally mounted on the supporting portions 8 a and 8 b, respectively, by means of hinge devices as is generally well-known. Thus, the display unit 9 is supported on the casing 2 to be rotatable about the hinge axis h relative to the casing 2 between a closed position, in which a display screen surface 9 a of the display unit 9 touches the top face 2 b of the casing 2. The display unit 9 thereby covers the keyboard 7 for protecting both the keyboard 7 and display screen surface 9 a of the display unit 9 with a hard shell backing portion 9 b of the display unit 9. The display unit 9 alternately rotates into an open position in which the display unit 9 stands upright with the display screen surface 9 a exposed at the back of the keyboard 7, as illustrated. Furthermore, a hard shell lip portion 9 c of the display unit 9 surrounds the sensitive display screen 9 d, the display screen 9 d is slightly recessed below the hard shell lip portion 9 c.

FIG. 2 illustrates an input/output (I/O) electrical connector or port 4 of the known portable computer 1 being provided in the rear face 2 d between interface apertures 4 a and 4 b on either side thereof. The I/O electrical connector 4 includes a quantity of pins or pin receptors (shown) 4 c are organized in a selected pattern. The pins or pin receptors 4 c provided input/output (I/O) capability for communicating with various peripheral components that may provide such functions as for example but not limited to: a modem, a game port, audio output, a microphone input, serial connections, parallel connections, a video display output, Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, a mouse connection, a keyboard connection, an external power supply connection. Alternatively, connection to these or other peripheral devices are provided by a separate and individual modem connector, a game port, audio speaker connectors, a microphone connector, two serial connectors, a parallel connector, a display unit connector, a USB connector, a mouse connector, a keyboard connector, and an external power supply connector, as are generally well-known in the art. A metallic terminal plate 5 is exposed on the rear face 2 d and surrounds the I/O connector 4 and includes an open end of each of the apertures 4 a and 4 b. The apertures 4 a and 4 b each include a cylindrical aperture or a lengthwise slot (shown) or an aperture of another shape extending from the rear face 2 d of the casing 2 toward the opposite front face 2 c.

In transporting the computer 1 peripheral devices must be removed from their corresponding connectors or ports, or alternatively the single I/O electrical connector 4. In restoring the computer 1 to its original state after using it elsewhere, any peripheral devices must be connected again via the I/O electrical connector 4. In the case where a large number of peripheral devices are connected, therefore, the removal and connection require very troublesome operations.

To cope with this, there have recently been provided external expanding apparatuses or “docking stations” which are adapted to be interposed between a portable computer and a plurality of peripheral devices and relay signals transferred between the computer and the devices.

FIG. 3 illustrates one such docking station 13 having a plurality of connectors and ports connectable with the peripheral devices, external power supply connector, etc., and an expansion connector 15 is presented at a connector presentation surface 21 which is opposed to the rear face 2 d of the computer casing 2. The expansion connector 15 is structured to engage the computer's I/O electrical connector 4. The expansion connector 15 is mounted on a movable bracket 18 structured to engage apertures 4 a and 4 b on opposite sides of the I/O connector 4 as a prelude to the expansion connector 15 actually engaging the I/O electrical connector 4. By example and without limitation, the bracket 18 includes a pair of guide pins or arms 18 a and 18 b that are positioned on opposite sides of the expansion connector 15 to engage apertures 4 a and 4 b on opposite sides of the I/O connector 4. The expansion connector 15 includes a quantity of pin receptors or pins (shown) 15 a organized in a selected pattern to engage the pins or pin receptors 4 c of the computer's I/O electrical connector 4. The pins 15 a of the expansion connector 15 are connected electrically to different ones of the connectors and ports that are connectable with the peripheral devices.

In known prior art docking station devices 13 the pair of guide pins or arms 18 a and 18 b positioned on opposite sides of the expansion connector 15 are extended forward of the expansion connector 15 and its pin receptors or pins (shown) 15 a such that the guide arms 18 a, 18 b engage the apertures 4 a and 4 b on opposite sides of the I/O electrical connector 4 before the expansion connector 15 and its pin receptors or pins 15 a the I/O electrical connector 4. Furthermore, the expansion connector 15 is typically loosely mounted on the bracket 18 with a little lateral play such that the expansion connector 15 is permitted to move relative to the bracket 18 and its pin receptors or pins (shown) 15 a wiggle or “float” into final mating positions with the respective pin receptors (or pins) 4 c of the I/O connector 4 after the guide arms 18 a, 18 b have established a nominal docking position. Thus, the guide arms 18 a, 18 b with the respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b fine tunes the positioning of the pins (or pin receptors) 15 a of the expansion connector 15 relative to the pin receptors (or pins) 4 c of the computer's I/O electrical connector 4 prior to final insertion.

The docking station 13 also includes a mounting platform 17 on which the computer 1 is removably mounted. The mounting platform 17 is, for example, adjacent connector presentation surface 21, and includes a bearing surface 19 on which the bottom face 2 a of the computer casing 2 is placed. The docking station apparatus 13 also includes bullet-nosed engaging pins 23 a and 23 b, which are provided on the bearing surface 19 adjacent to the connector presentation surface 21. The bottom face 2 a of the computer casing 2 includes a pair of locating holes 6 a and 6 b situated adjacent to the rear face 2 d and the side faces 2 e and 2 f of the casing 2. The locating holes 6 a, 6 b each include a cylindrical aperture extending from the bottom face 2 a toward the opposite top face 2 b and sized to accept the bullet-nosed engaging pins 23 a, 23 b on the bearing surface 19 of the docking station 13. The locating holes 6 a and 6 b thus serve to locate the computer's I/O connector 4 relative to the expansion connector 15 on the presentation surface 21 of the docking station 13.

In connecting the computer to the docking station 13, the tongue 2 g of the computer casing 2 is fit into a mouth 25 of a mating receiver structure 27 adjacent to the bearing surface 19 opposite from and facing toward the connector presentation surface 21. The computer casing 2 is rotated about the tongue 2 g with the bottom surface 2 a of the casing 2 guided toward the bearing surface 19. When the bottom surface 2 a of the casing 2 is close to the bearing surface 19, the mating locating holes 6 a and 6 b in the bottom surface 2 a of the casing 2 engage the locating pins 23 a, 23 b of the docking station 13, which positions the casing 2 relative to the docking station 13, and in particular positions the I/O electrical connector 4 relative to the docking station's expansion connector 15.

Thereafter, the docking station's expansion connector 15 and the pair of guide pins or arms 18 a, 18 b on either side of the expansion connector 15 are moved together in the direction indicated by the arrow toward the rear face 2 d of the computer 1 in a manner such that the pair of guide pins or arms 18 a, 18 b are fitted individually in the recesses of the respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b by operation of a swingable operating lever 29. Such engagement of the guide arms 18 a, 18 b with the respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b fine tunes the positioning of the pins (or pin receptors) 15 a of the expansion connector 15 relative to the pin receptors (or pins) 4 c of the computer's I/O connector 4. Continued operation of the operating lever 29 continues movement of the expansion connector 15 toward the computer's I/O electrical connector 4, and engages the pins (or pin receptors) 15 a with the pin receptors (or pins) 4 c during final insertion.

As a result, the expansion connector 15 of the docking station 13 is connected to the computer's I/O electrical connector 4. Additionally, the computer 1 cannot be removed from the docking station 13 because the guide pins or arms 18 a, 18 b engaging the interface apertures 4 a, 4 b conspire with the receiver structure 27 engaging the computer casing's tongue 2 g, and the locating pins 23 a and 23 b engaging the mating locating holes 6 a and 6 b in the bottom surface 2 a of the computer casing 2 to secure the computer 1 relative to the docking station's connector presentation surface 21 and the bearing surface 19, respectively.

In removing the computer from the docking station apparatus 13, the operating lever 29 is reversed to move the expansion connector 15 away from the computer rear surface 2 d, whereby the expansion connector 15 is disconnected from the computer's I/O electrical connector 4, and the guide pins or arms 18 a, 18 b are disengaged from the respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b. The computer casing 2 can be rotated about the tongue 2 g so that the bottom surface 2 a of the casing 2 is disengaged from the bearing surface 19, and the computer 1 is disengaged from the docking station 13.

In the docking station apparatus 13 described above, the pins (or pin receptors) 15 a of the expansion connector 15 are attached to a circuit board which is located within a casing 31 of the apparatus 13, and the expansion connector 15 is connected to the circuit board through a flexible wiring harness. The flexible wiring board is in turn connected through other flexible wiring harnesses to separate and individual modem connector, a game port, audio speaker connectors, a microphone connector, two serial connectors, a parallel connector, a display unit connector, a USB connector, a mouse connector, a keyboard connector, and an external power supply connector, as are generally well-known in the art.

FIG. 4 illustrates an input/output (I/O) plate 33 of the docking station 13 where the flexible wiring harnesses of external devices may be connected to, for example, a mouse connector 35, a keyboard connector 37, a display unit connector 39, one or more serial connectors 41, a game port 43, a parallel connector 45, a serial connector 47, one or more USB connectors 49, a microphone connector 51, one or more speaker connectors 53, an external power supply connector 55, a modem connector 57, or a power switch 59.

However, known docking station apparatus are limited in their ability to provide the above expansion efficiently and reliably.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A novel external expanding apparatus or “docking station” is presented that is operable with a portable computer device of a type having a display unit having a display screen on an inner surface thereof and a hard shell backing surface opposite thereof and pivotally mounted on a substantially rigid casing having a pair of locating holes adjacent to opposite corners of a substantially planar bottom surface thereof, and an input/output (I/O) connector positioned on a back plane thereof with a pair of positioning apertures provided on opposite sides thereof. The novel external expanding apparatus or “docking station” provides all of the features of prior art expanding apparatus with fewer parts that are also simpler than those of prior art devices. The present novel docking station thus performs all of the functions of prior art devices, but eliminates many of the structures required in prior art devices for performing those functions. The present novel docking station also provides novel new features that perform new functions not provided in any known prior art expanding apparatus.

According to one aspect of the novel docking station apparatus, the novel docking station apparatus includes a substantially rigid body portion having a substantially rigid bearing plate formed with a substantially rectangular computer bearing surface on an outer face thereof on which the computer device body is to be placed. The body portion includes one or more guides on an inner face of the substantially rigid bearing plate opposite from the bearing surface. A connector presentation surface is provided adjacent to the bearing surface along a rear edge of the computer bearing surface and has an opening formed therein that is projected above the bearing surface for opposing the device I/O connector when the computer device body is placed on the bearing surface. A computer device receiver structure is fixedly positioned adjacent to a front edge of the bearing surface and is projected there above opposite from the connector presentation surface. The receiver structure has a jaw structure with an opening facing toward the connector presentation surface and is structured to receive and mate with a front face of the computer device casing. A clearance hole is formed through the bearing plate and communicates between the inner and outer faces thereof, the clearance hole is positioned between the front edge of the bearing surface and a rear edge thereof. The body portion also includes a peripheral device connector presentation surface having one or more peripheral device connectors.

A pair of engaging pins sized to be matingly received into the pair of locating holes in the bottom surface of the casing of the portable computer device is fixedly projected above the bearing surface at opposite corners thereof and adjacent to the rear edge thereof in positions for being matingly received into the pair of device locating holes.

An expansion connector drive mechanism is provided that is movable relative to the connector presentation surface, the expansion connector drive mechanism includes: a substantially rigid movable frame having an integral retention plate that is formed with a lengthwise slot that is movably coupled to the one or more guides on the inner face of the body portion's bearing plate for moving the frame relative to the bearing plate between the front and rear edges of the bearing surface along a drive axis that is aligned with the opening in the connector presentation surface, an integral connector seat adjacent to a first end of the frame, an integral security plate positioned opposite the clearance hole through the bearing plate, the security plate being formed with a keyhole aperture therethrough that has a relatively narrow elongated slot portion oriented substantially parallel with the frame drive axis and a relatively larger aperture communicating with one end of the slot portion opposite from the integral connector seat, an integral catch mechanism that is positioned adjacent to a second end of the frame opposite from the integral connector seat, one or more keepers that are coupled to the bearing plate with the integral retention plate of the frame being movably secured therebetween, and a handle extended from the frame.

A connector bracket connectable with the pair of positioning apertures provided on opposite sides of the device I/O connector is coupled to the connector seat of the frame and projected above the bearing surface of the bearing plate and is substantially aligned with the opening in the connector presentation surface. The connector bracket has a pair of substantially rigid guides in spaced-apart positions for engaging the pair of positioning apertures provided on the computer device back plane on opposite sides of the I/O connector. A computer expansion connector that is connectable with the I/O connector of the computer is mounted on the connector bracket between the guides thereof.

A releasable safety catch that is operable between the keyhole aperture in the integral security plate of the frame and the clearance hole through the bearing plate, the safety catch having a first relatively narrow stem portion that is sized to pass through both the relatively narrow slot portion of the keyhole aperture in the security plate and the clearance hole through the bearing plate, and a second base portion having a relatively wider shoulder portion that is sized to pass through only the relatively larger keyhole aperture and is too oversized relative to the relatively narrow slot portion to pass therethrough.

A resilient biasing mechanism, such as a conventional compression spring, is coupled to the safety catch and is structured for urging the safety catch toward the bearing plate. The biasing mechanism is structured for urging the relatively narrow stem portion of the safety catch to pass through both the relatively narrow slot portion of the keyhole aperture in the security plate and the passage through the bearing plate, and the biasing mechanism structured for simultaneously urging the relatively wide shoulder portion of the base portion to pass through the relatively enlarged passage of the keyhole aperture.

A latch mechanism is positioned on the body portion adjacent to a front surface of the bearing plate and is projected below the inner face thereof adjacent to a near end of the guide mechanism. The latch mechanism is structured to alternately engage and disengage the catch mechanism of the frame portion of the expansion connector drive mechanism.

The connector bracket is linearly movable along or substantially parallel with the frame drive axis between a first disengaged position wherein the connector bracket guides and expansion connector are retracted within the opening in the connector presentation surface adjacent to the rear edge of the bearing surface, and a second engaged position wherein the connector bracket guides and expansion connector are extended from the opening in the connector presentation surface over the rear edge of the bearing surface. The connector bracket coupled to the frame is linearly movable between the first disengaged position and the second engaged position by release of the releasable safety catch, which includes retraction of the first relatively narrow stem portion thereof relative to the clearance hole through the bearing plate, and disengagement of the second relatively wider shoulder portion of the base of the releasable safety catch from the relatively larger keyhole aperture in the security plate, with the elongated slot portion of the keyhole being continuously substantially aligned with the passage through the bearing plate during travel of the connector bracket between the first disengaged position and the second engaged position in its position coupled to the connector seat of the frame portion of the expansion connector drive mechanism.

A mounting structure is coupled to a bottom portion of the body portion and is structured to adapt the body portion for mounting to an external support structure.

According to another aspect of the novel docking station apparatus, the novel docking station apparatus includes one or more electrical connectors that are electrically coupled to the expansion connector and presented on an exterior surface of the apparatus body, at least one of the one or more electrical connectors is adapted for receiving a Universal Serial Bus connector.

According to another aspect of the novel docking station apparatus, the novel docking station apparatus includes one or more electrical connectors that are electrically coupled to the expansion connector and being substantially contained within the interior cavity of the apparatus body, at least one of the one or more electrical connectors is adapted for receiving a Universal Serial Bus connector.

According to another aspect of the novel docking station apparatus, the novel docking station apparatus includes a Universal Serial Bus hub device substantially contained within the interior cavity of the apparatus body and electrically coupled to the expansion connector, and wherein at least one of the one or more electrical connectors substantially contained within the interior cavity of the apparatus body and adapted for receiving a Universal Serial Bus connector is further electrically coupled to the Universal Serial Bus hub device.

According to another aspect of the novel docking station apparatus, at least one of the electrical connectors presented on an exterior surface of the apparatus body and adapted for receiving a Universal Serial Bus connector is further electrically coupled to the Universal Serial Bus hub device.

According to another aspect of the novel docking station apparatus, the novel docking station apparatus includes an internal memory storage device substantially contained within the interior cavity of the apparatus body and electrically coupled to the expansion connector.

According to another aspect of the novel docking station apparatus, the internal memory storage device is further an internal hard drive contained within the interior cavity of the apparatus body and electrically coupled to the expansion connector.

According to another aspect of the novel docking station apparatus, the internal memory storage device is further one or more of a magnetic floppy disc drive device, an optical disc drive device, and a flash memory device. Optionally, according to another aspect of the novel docking station apparatus, the optical disc drive device is further one of a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) drive device, a digital versatile disk read only memory (DVD-ROM) drive device, and a combination compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) and digital versatile disk read only memory (DVD-ROM) drive device.

According to another aspect of the novel docking station apparatus, the novel docking station apparatus includes an internal wireless short-range communications technology device substantially contained within the interior cavity of the apparatus body and adapted for performing a wireless signal communication with at least one peripheral electronic device having an other internal wireless short-range communications technology device and being positioned within a predetermined range. According to another aspect of the novel docking station apparatus, by example and without limitation, the internal wireless short-range communications technology device is further a Bluetooth system module positioned within the interior cavity of the body portion and being electrically coupled for communication with the computer expansion connector through the Universal Serial Bus hub device for performing a wireless signal communication with a corresponding second Bluetooth module in at least one second electronic device situated within a predetermined range of the Universal Serial Bus hub device.

According to another aspect of the novel docking station apparatus, the novel docking station apparatus includes an internal digital computer substantially contained within the interior cavity of the apparatus body and electrically coupled to the expansion connector. According to another aspect of the novel docking station apparatus, the internal digital computer includes a microprocessor structured for executing instructions and connected to a system bus, a memory bus connected to the system bus and having both a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM) connected thereto for access by the microprocessor.

Other aspects of the novel docking station are detailed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this novel docking station will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a known portable computer;

FIG. 2 illustrates an input/output (I/O) connector or port of the known portable computer illustrated in FIG. 1 as being provided in the rear face thereof between interface apertures;

FIG. 3 illustrates a known computer docking station having an expansion connector structured to engage the computer's I/O connector and being provided on a connector presentation surface thereof which is opposed to the rear face of the known computer illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a plurality of connectors and ports connectable with different peripheral devices, external power supply, etc.;

FIG. 4 illustrates an input/output (I/O) plate of the known docking station where flexible wiring harnesses of different external peripheral devices, external power supply, etc. may be connected;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view that illustrates the novel external computer expanding apparatus or “docking station”;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view that illustrates the novel docking station;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view that illustrates the novel docking station;

FIG. 8 is another side perspective view that illustrates the novel docking station;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the novel docking station;

FIG. 10 is another bottom perspective view of the docking station;

FIG. 11 is another bottom perspective view of the docking station;

FIG. 12 is a close-up bottom perspective view of an external wire harness support of the novel docking station;

FIG. 13 is another close-up bottom perspective view of the external wire harness support of the novel docking station;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view that shows novel cable supports of the external wire harness support of the novel docking station;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the external wire harness support of the novel docking station illustrating a side view of the cable supports of the novel docking station and an end cross-sectional view of one of a novel gang support of the novel docking station;

FIG. 16 is perspective view inside an upper body portion of the docking station and illustrates a novel expansion connector drive mechanism as well as novel features of the upper body portion that operate with the expansion connector drive mechanism;

FIG. 17 illustrates the alternative non-locking latch mechanism of the present novel docking station by example and without limitation as a flexible latch mechanism useful with the novel expansion connector drive mechanism;

FIG. 18 illustrates a novel guide mechanism of the novel docking station that cooperates with a novel frame portion of the novel expansion connector drive mechanism;

FIG. 19 illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism of the present novel docking station as well as novel features of the upper body portion that operate with the expansion connector drive mechanism;

FIG. 20 illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism of the present novel docking station in a deployed position;

FIG. 21 is a section view of the expansion connector drive mechanism of the novel docking station;

FIG. 22 illustrates the novel docking station being in an initial state of readiness to accept the computer;

FIG. 23 illustrates the novel docking station being in an intermediate state of accepting the computer;

FIG. 24 illustrates the novel docking station being in final state of accepting the computer;

FIG. 25 illustrates the novel docking station being in final state of accepting the computer removed here for clarity;

FIGS. 26 and 27 are respective top and bottom perspective views of the novel docking station that together illustrate one embodiment of a frame portion of the expansion connector drive;

FIG. 28 is perspective view inside the upper body portion of the novel docking station and further illustrates a simplified novel expansion connector drive mechanism;

FIG. 29 is an upside-down close-up view showing novel edge mounting holes of the novel docking station formed along a mutual contact line between the upper and lower body portions of the novel docking station's two-piece body;

FIG. 30 illustrates that an extension portion of a well portion of a novel nut pocket of the novel docking station extends past the contact line between the upper and lower body portions of the novel docking station's two-piece body;

FIG. 31 is a section view of the nut pockets taken from inside the two-piece body of the novel docking station;

FIG. 32 is a section view of the nut pockets of the novel docking station taken from inside the two-piece body of the novel docking station;

FIG. 33 illustrates a mechanical nut installed in the nut pocket of the novel docking station with a screw or bolt inserted through the edge mounting hole and mated with the nut;

FIG. 34 illustrates the lower body portion of the novel docking station with the upper body portion removed for clarity, the nut pockets here illustrated as being optionally fully formed in the selected upper body portion or lower body portion (shown);

FIG. 35 illustrates one of the novel edge mounting holes of the novel docking station alternatively formed with a novel screw or bolt pocket of the novel docking station formed by example and without limitation as a pair of mating pockets (shown in a subsequent figure) integrally formed on inside surfaces of the respective lower body portion and upper body portion of the novel docking station and adjacent to the respective edges thereof;

FIG. 36 is a section view of one of the novel screw pockets taken from inside the two-piece body of the novel docking station;

FIG. 37 illustrates the novel screw pocket being alternatively configured to accommodate a carriage bolt (shown in phantom) wherein the nut pocket is formed having integral near and far portions substantially aligned with a novel edge mounting hole of the novel docking station;

FIG. 38 is a section view of the novel screw or carriage bolt pocket taken from inside the two-piece body of the docking station of the novel docking station;

FIG. 39 illustrates a novel display unit support of the novel docking station that is structured for supporting the computer's flat display unit;

FIG. 40 illustrates the novel display unit support in a stored position having a rigid support arm rotated about a pivot axis toward a bearing surface of the upper body portion of the novel docking station, and an anvil of the novel display unit support being nested in an edge recess of the novel body portion;

FIG. 41 is a side view that illustrates the jaw of the novel display unit support of the novel docking station being rotated about a drive axis of a novel biasing mechanism into substantial alignment with the support arm during storing of the novel display unit support;

FIG. 42 illustrates the novel docking station with the novel display unit support in an active position having the support arm rotated about the pivot axis with the novel display unit clamping mechanism supporting the display unit of the computer in an open upright position relative to the computer's keyboard on the computer casing top face;

FIG. 43 illustrates the novel docking station with the novel display unit support in an active position having the support arm rotated about the pivot axis with the display unit clamping mechanism of the novel docking station supporting the computer display unit in an open upright position relative to the computer keyboard with the anvil being positioned supporting the hard shell backing portion of the computer display unit;

FIGS. 44 through 50 illustrate that the arcuate support surface of the anvil portion of the novel display unit clamping mechanism of the novel docking station permits the backing portion of the computer display unit to roll thereabout in smooth substantially constant contact during rotation relative to the computer keyboard, wherein:

FIG. 44 also illustrates the novel docking station with the novel display unit support in the active position of FIG. 43 having the support arm rotated about the pivot axis with the novel display unit clamping mechanism supporting the computer's display unit in an open upright position relative to the computer's keyboard,

FIG. 45 is a side view of the novel docking station having the computer's display unit support in one active position, as illustrated in previous figures, having the support arm rotated about the pivot axis with the novel display unit clamping mechanism supporting the computer display unit in one open over-center position relative to the computer's keyboard;

FIG. 46 is an opposite side view of the novel display unit support of the novel docking station in the active position of FIG. 45 for constraining the computer's display unit in the open over-center position by a pincer action of the jaw portion relative to the anvil with the knob being tightened to secure the support arm in the active over-center position;

FIG. 47 is a side view of the novel docking station having the novel display unit support in another active position having the support arm rotated about the pivot axis with the novel display unit clamping mechanism supporting the computer's display unit in a substantially vertical upright position relative to the computer's keyboard with the anvil portion being positioned supporting the hard shell backing portion of the computer display unit;

FIG. 48 is an opposite side view of the novel display unit support of the novel docking station in the active position of FIG. 47 for constraining the computer's display unit in the substantially vertical upright position by the pincer action of the jaw portion relative to the anvil portion with the knob being tightened to secure the support arm in the upright position;

FIG. 49 is a side view of the novel docking station having the novel display unit support in another active position having the support arm rotated about the pivot axis with the novel display unit clamping mechanism supporting the computer display unit in another open position having the display unit in an extreme over-center upright position relative to the computer keyboard;

FIG. 50 is an opposite side view of the novel display unit support of the novel docking station in the active position of FIG. 49 for constraining the computer display unit in the extreme over-center open position by the pincer action of the jaw portion relative to the anvil portion with the knob being tightened to secure the support arm in the extreme over-center position;

FIG. 51 illustrates by example and without limitation the pivot mechanism of the novel docking station that constrains the support arm to operate about the pivot axis with the shoulder portion abutting the body's hub portion;

FIG. 52 illustrates by example and without limitation one alternative configuration of the pivot mechanism of the novel docking station wherein the head portion of a screw or bolt type pivot axle is constrained in the body's novel nut pockets;

FIG. 53 illustrates by example and without limitation another alternative configuration of the pivot mechanism illustrated in FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 illustrates by example and without limitation the novel display unit clamping mechanism of the novel display unit support of the novel docking station in an active configuration clamping the computer's display unit in an open position relative to the computer casing;

FIG. 55 illustrates by example and without limitation the novel display unit clamping mechanism of the novel display unit support of the novel docking station in a passive configuration wherein the hard shell backing portion of the computer's display unit is supported by the anvil portion of the support arm with the opposing jaw portion in an open position relative to the computer display unit's display screen surface;

FIG. 56 illustrates by example and without limitation the novel docking station having one or more circuit cards substantially enclosed within the docking station body with a wiring harness electrically coupling the circuit card or cards to the expansion connector on the connector presentation surface for connection to the computer's I/O connector and another wiring harness electrically coupling the circuit card or cards to others of the plurality of peripheral device connectors on the peripheral device connector presentation surface of the lower body portion;

FIG. 57 illustrates by example and without limitation the novel docking station having one or more circuit cards that may be used in the novel docking station, wherein one circuit board is illustrated as being electrically coupled through the wiring harness to the expansion connector, another wiring harness is illustrated by example and without limitation as electrically coupling the circuit card or cards a plurality of the USB connections on the connector presentation surface, electrical traces on the circuit card electrically couple the expansion connector substantially directly to one or more of the plurality of the USB connections on the connector presentation surface, and additional electrical traces electrically couple the expansion connector substantially directly to one or more additional USB connections located internally of the novel docking station's body; and

FIG. 58 schematically illustrates the internal circuit board being electrically coupled through the wiring harness to the expansion connector on the connector presentation surface for connection to the computer's I/O connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the Figures, like numerals indicate like elements.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view that illustrates the present invention embodied by example and without limitation as a novel external computer expanding apparatus or “docking station” 100 which is adapted to be interposed between a portable computer of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and a plurality of peripheral devices and relay signals transferred between the computer and the devices.

The docking station 100 includes a two-piece body 102 having an upper body portion 102 a connected to a lower body portion 102 b along a line 103 of mutual contact. The upper body portion 102 a is formed with a bearing surface 104 on one face of a substantially rigid bearing plate 105. The bearing surface 104 is structured for the computer casing 2 to be removably placed thereon. A connector presentation surface 106 is projected above the bearing surface 104 for presenting an electrical expansion connector 108 to the rear face 2 d of the computer 1 when the computer's bottom face 2 a is placed on the bearing surface 104. The upper body portion 102 a also includes means for securing the computer 1 to the bearing surface 104 in fixed position relative to the connector presentation surface 106 such that a coupling with the electrical expansion connector 108 is not interrupted unintentionally. By example and without limitation, the securing means includes a receiver structure 110 fixedly positioned adjacent to a front portion 111 of the bearing surface 104 opposite from the connector presentation surface 106 and having an open jaw structure 112 facing toward the connector presentation surface 106 and structured to receive and mate with the tongue 2 g on the front face of the computer casing 2. Mating of the tongue 2 g within the open jaw 112 of the receiver structure 110 resists separation of the computer casing's bottom face 2 a from the bearing surface 104. Such mating of the tongue 2 g within the jaw 112 of the receiver structure 110 also resists sliding of the computer casing 2 along the bearing surface 104 away from the connector presentation surface 106. Additionally, the open jaw 112 may optionally include lips on either side thereof that engage side surfaces 2 k and 2 l (if present) of the tongue 2 g, and by such engagement, resist sideways slippage along the bearing surface 104 parallel of the connector presentation surface 106.

The securing means also includes a pair of engaging pins 114 a and 114 b fixedly positioned on a rear portion 115 of the bearing surface 104 adjacent to the connector presentation surface 106, the engaging pins 114 a, 114 b are structured to be slidingly received into the mating locating holes 6 a and 6 b in the bottom surface 2 a of the casing 2. The two engaging pins 114 a and 114 b operate to position the computer casing 2 relative to the docking station bearing surface 104, and in particular to position the computer's I/O connector 4 relative to the docking station's electrical expansion connector 108. Such mating of the two engaging pins 114 a, 114 b within the respective locating holes 6 a, 6 b also serve to resist both lateral and longitudinal slippage of the computer casing 2 relative to the bearing surface 104. The two engaging pins 114 a, 114 b resist both sliding of the computer casing 2 along the bearing surface 104 away from the connector presentation surface 106, and simultaneously resist sideways slippage along the bearing surface 104 parallel of the connector presentation surface 106.

The securing means also includes a pair of guides 116 a and 116 b provided as either substantially rigid pins or stiff arms that are positioned on opposite sides of the electrical expansion connector 108. The guides 116 a and 116 b extend past the electrical expansion connector 108 and engage the apertures 4 a and 4 b on opposite sides of the computer's I/O connector 4 in advance of the electrical expansion connector 108 engaging the computer's I/O connector 4. As is discussed in detail below, by operation of a sliding expansion connector drive mechanism 118, the electrical expansion connector 108 simultaneously with the pair of guide pins or arms 116 a, 116 b (hereinafter “guide arms”) on either side of the electrical expansion connector 108 are together moved inward from the presentation surface 106 (in the direction indicated by arrow 120) across the bearing surface 104 toward the opposing open jaw 112 of the receiver structure 110 in a manner such that the pair of guide arms 116 a, 116 b are fitted individually in the recesses of the respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b the rear face 2 d of the computer casing 2 in advance of connection of the electrical expansion connector 108 with the computer's I/O connector 4. Such engagement of the guide arms 116 a, 116 b with the respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b presses the pair of guide arms 116 a, 116 b against the respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b in the rear face 2 d of the computer casing 2, which in turn pushes the front face 2 c toward the receiver structure 110 and the tongue 2 g into its open jaw 112. Additionally, the mating of the guide arms 116 a, 116 b within the respective computer casing interface apertures 4 a, 4 b resist sideways slippage along the bearing surface 104 parallel of the connector presentation surface 106. More importantly, the mating of the guide arms 116 a, 116 b within the respective computer casing interface apertures 4 a, 4 b resists separation of the computer casing's bottom face 2 a from the bearing surface 104 so that the two engaging pins 114 a, 114 b within the respective locating holes 6 a, 6 b more effectively resist both lateral and longitudinal slippage of the computer casing 2 relative to the bearing surface 104.

Furthermore, the electrical expansion connector 108 includes a quantity of pin receptors or pins (shown) 122 organized in a selected pattern to engage the pins or pin receptors 4 c of the computer's I/O connector 4. Accordingly, such engagement of the guide arms 116 a, 116 b on either side of the electrical expansion connector 108 with the respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b also fine tunes the positioning of pin receptors or pins (shown) 122 of electrical expansion connector 108 relative to the pin receptors (or pins) 4 c of the computer's I/O connector 4, whereby operation of the expansion connector drive 118 causes the electrical expansion connector 108 to engage the computer's electrical I/O connector 4, and engages the pins (or pin receptors) 122 with the pin receptors (or pins) 4 c.

Thus, the three-part computer securing means includes the receiver structure 110 fixed adjacent the front portion 111 of the bearing surface 104, the engaging pins 114 a and 114 b fixed on the rear face 115 of the bearing surface 104, and the guide arms 116 a, 116 b on either side of the electrical expansion connector 108, which operate together to retain the computer's I/O connector 4 on the rear face 2 d of the casing 2 in uninterrupted engagement with the docking station's electrical expansion connector 108.

However, the guide arms 116 a, 116 b on either side of the electrical expansion connector 108 might interfere with seating the computer casing 2 against the bearing surface 104, so a sensing means 123 is optionally provided for sensing that the computer's casing 2 is emplaced on the docking station's bearing surface 104 with its I/O connector 4 positioned to receive the docking station's electrical expansion connector 108. For example, the optional sensing means 123 may be provided in the form of safety catch 124 having a stem or button that cooperates with the expansion connector drive 118 to detect presence of the computer 1 against the bearing surface 104. As discussed herein below, if present, the sensing means 123 is an optional safety mechanism that prevents the expansion connector drive 118 from being operated unless the computer casing 2 is firmly seated against the bearing surface 104 of the docking station upper body portion 102 a, which depresses the safety catch 124. Thus, the docking station 100 optionally senses the presence of the computer 1 when installation of the casing 2 causes depression of the safety catch 124, if present. By requiring previous operation of the safety catch 124, if present, the electrical expansion connector 108 cannot be deployed until the computer's I/O connector 4 is positioned to receive it. Accordingly, neither the guide arms 116 a, 116 b nor the electrical expansion connector 108 can interfere with seating the computer casing 2.

Furthermore, while the computer casing 2 is being seated, the electrical expansion connector 108 remains tucked safely away in a home position on the sidelines of the bearing surface 104. For example, the expansion connector 108 is protected in a disengaged “safe” position within an integral housing portion 126 of the casing upper body 102 a positioned at the rear 115 of the bearing surface 104, where the expansion connector 108 is out of harm's way during seating of the computer casing 2. By example and without limitation, the housing 126 extends above the bearing surface 104 and is formed with a cavity 128 that is extended rearward of the bearing surface 104. The cavity 128 is sized to hold the expansion connector 108 on a connector bracket 130 having guide arms 116 a, 116 b projected therefrom on either side of the expansion connector 108. The bracket 130, together with the expansion connector 108 and guide arms 116 a, 116 b on either side thereof, is movable (as indicated by arrow 120) by operation of the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 out of the cavity 128 and inward of the bearing surface 104 through an opening 132 formed in the presentation surface 106 of the housing 126.

The novel docking station 100 optionally includes a locking latch mechanism 134 for constraining the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 relative to the upper body portion 102 a of the docking station 100. Accordingly, the locking latch mechanism 134 constrains the bracket 130 having the expansion connector 108 and guide arms 116 a, 116 b in a deployed position, the deployed position having the expansion connector 108 outside the cavity 128 and extended over the bearing surface 104.

As a result, the electrical expansion connector 108 of the docking station 100 is connected to the computer's I/O connector 4. Additionally, the computer 1 cannot be removed from engagement with the docking station 100 because the guide arms 116 a, 116 b engaging the interface apertures 4 a, 4 b cooperate with the receiver structure 110 engaging the computer casing's tongue 2 g, and the locating pins 114 a and 114 b engaging the mating locating holes 6 a and 6 b in the bottom surface 2 a of the computer casing 2 to secure the computer 1 relative to the connector presentation surface 106 and the bearing surface 104, respectively, of the docking station apparatus 100. The locking latch mechanism 134 ensures the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 cannot be dislodged so that the guide arms 116 a, 116 b continue to engage the interface apertures 4 a, 4 b, even if the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 is attempted to be dislodged, either accidentally or intentionally.

In removing the computer from the novel docking station apparatus 100, the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 is reversed to move the expansion connector 108 away from the computer rear surface 2 d, whereby the expansion connector 108 is disconnected from the computer's I/O connector 4, and the guide arms 116 a, 116 b are disengaged from the respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b. The computer casing 2 can be rotated about the tongue 2 g so that the bottom surface 2 a of the casing 2 is disengaged from the bearing surface 104, and the computer 1 is disengaged from the docking station 100.

According to one embodiment of the novel docking station 100, the electrical expansion connector 108 is optionally loosely mounted on the bracket 130 with a little lateral play such that the expansion connector 108 is permitted to move relative to the bracket 130 and its pin receptors or pins (shown) 122 wiggle or “float” into final mating positions with the respective pin receptors (or pins) 4 c of the I/O connector 4 after the guide arms 116 a, 116 b have established a nominal docking position, as in the prior art. Thus, the guide arms 116 a, 116 b with the respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b fine tunes the positioning of the pins (or pin receptors) 122 of the expansion connector 108 relative to the pin receptors (or pins) 4 c of the computer's I/O connector 4 prior to final insertion.

Alternatively, the electrical expansion connector 108 is optionally securely mounted on the bracket 130 without appreciable lateral play such that the expansion connector 108 is not permitted to move relative to the bracket 130 and its pin receptors or pins (shown) 15 a do not wiggle or float into final mating positions with the respective pin receptors (or pins) 4 c of the I/O connector 4. Rather, as discussed herein below, the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 provides sufficient lateral play that, the guide arms 18 a, 18 b operate to establish both a nominal docking position and a final insertion position of the expansion connector 108 relative to the computer's I/O connector 4. Thus, the complexity of the prior art bracket 18, as discussed herein above, is eliminated, while the positioning function is maintained as a feature of the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the novel docking station.

Optionally, hand clearances 137 communicate with either side of the docking station's computer bearing surface 104 for access to the bottom surface 2 a of the computer 1 for lifting it free of the bearing surface 104 and the guide pins 114 a, 114 b projected therefrom. By example and without limitation, the hand clearances 137 are provided as indentations in the upper body portion 102 a and optionally in the lower body portion 102 b as well. The hand clearances 137 are located near the connector presentation surface 106 and the guide pins 114 a, 114 b for more easily lifting the computer 1 clear of the guide pins 114 a, 114 b and the jaw 112 of the receiver structure 110 opposite.

Additionally, an edge recess 139 communicates with the docking station's computer bearing surface 104 and one side of the upper body portion 102 a for storing a novel display unit support 142 that is structured for supporting the computer's flat display unit 9.

Additionally, as discussed herein below and more clearly illustrated in subsequent figures, the docking station's expansion connector 108 is electrically coupled to a plurality of peripheral device connectors 136 a, 136 b through 136 n provided by example and without limitation on a peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b. For example, the lower body portion 102 b includes an integral rear housing 140 having the presentation surface 138 provided thereon.

According to one embodiment of the novel docking station, the docking station 100 includes a novel display unit support 142 structured for supporting the computer's flat display unit 9 in any convenient orientation relative to the keyboard 7 on the computer's top face 2 b.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view that illustrates the present novel docking station embodied by example and without limitation as a the docking station 100. Here, for clarity the bracket 130 having only the guide pins 116 a, 116 b projected therefrom, without the expansion connector 108.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view that illustrates the present novel docking station embodied by example and without limitation as a the docking station 100. Here, for clarity the bracket 130 having only the guide pins 116 a, 116 b projected therefrom, without the expansion connector 108.

FIG. 8 is another side perspective view that illustrates the present novel docking station embodied by example and without limitation as a the docking station 100. Here, the receiver structure 110 is more clearly illustrated as having the open jaw structure 112 formed between the front portion 111 of the bearing surface 104 and an upper lip 144 which engages the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2, while the front portion 111 of the bearing surface 104 engages the computer casing bottom face 2 a. A recessed throat portion 146 of the receiver structure's jaw 112 is set back between the front portion 111 of the bearing surface 104 and the upper lip 144. The recessed throat portion 146 of the jaw 112 engages the front face 2 c of the computer casing 2.

Here also are illustrated a plurality of edge mounting holes 148 formed along the mutual contact line 103 which also operates as a separation line between the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b of the docking station's two-piece body 102. As discussed herein below, the edge mounting holes 148 each provide novel means for holding a square- or hex-head screw with its threaded shaft extending out of the respective mounting hole 148 substantially parallel with the bearing surface 104 and perpendicular to respective side faces 152 and 154 of the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b. Any external device can be threadedly attached to the body 102 by means of a nut threaded to the extended shaft of the screw.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the docking station 100 that includes a mounting structure 155 that is structured to adapt the docking station 100 for mounting to an external support structure, by example and without limitation, the universally positionable device invented by the inventor of the present novel docking station and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,885, which is incorporated herein by reference. By example and without limitation, the mounting structure 155 is provided as a plurality of mounting holes 157 projected from a bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b within an integral ring 159 with optional supports 161 formed as elongated gussets integrally structured between the bottom plane 156 and the ring 159. Other mounting structures 155 are also contemplated and may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

This view further illustrates the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b having the a plurality of peripheral device connectors 136 a, 136 b through 136 n, including by example and without limitation, a video display output 13 a, a mouse connection 136 b, a keyboard connection 136 c, an external Universal Serial Bus (USB) socket connection 136 d. By example and without limitation, the external USB socket connection 136 d is optionally generally of the type disclosed by example and without limitation in U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,375, “Electrical Connection Device” issued to Wu on Feb. 22, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference, which discloses a USB (universal series bus) electrical signal connector including a unitary insulative housing having an upper half and a lower half respectively defining a first chamber and a second chamber therein, a plurality of first conductive pins are received in the first chamber and enclosed by a first shielding member to form a power connector for transmitting electrical power, a plurality of second conductive pins are received in the second chamber and enclosed by a second shielding member to form a signal connector for transmitting signals, whereby the USB connector has an integral power connector for supplying electrical power to drive electronic devices connected thereto. Other USB electrical signal connectors may be substituted for the external USB socket connection 136 d without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, examples of conventional USB socket connectors for low frequency data transmission connector requiring only a small power supply are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,156, “Electrical Connector” issued to Sugiyama on May 21, 1991, which is incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,281, “Structure For Electro-Magnetic Wave Shielding In The Electric Plug Used In Telecommunication” issued to Yin on Jul. 5, 1994, which is incorporated herein by reference. Other more modern examples of USB socket connectors useful for practicing the external USB socket connection 136 d and that are optionally substituted for the external USB socket connection 136 d without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention include, by example and without limitation, U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,395, “Universal Serial Bus Connector” issued to Lee on Mar. 10, 1998, which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,733, “Universal Serial Bus Plug Connector” issued to Lai on Aug. 24, 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,984, “Slim USB Connector With Spring-Engaging Depressions, Stabilizing Dividers And Wider End Rails For Flash-Memory Drive” issued to Lee, et al. on Feb. 15, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 6,939,168, “Universal Serial Bus Electrical Connector” issued to Oleynick, et al. on Sep. 6, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference, which discloses a universal serial bus (USB) electrical connector having electrical signal contacts and power contacts in a housing; U.S. Pat. No. 7,125,287, “Extended USB Protocol Plug And Receptacle” issued to Chou, et al. on Oct. 24, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference, which discloses extended Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug and socket connectors, wherein the extended USB plug includes an extended pin substrate having an extended substrate length longer than a length of a pin substrate of an industry-standard USB connector plug, and the extended Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug includes an extended pin substrate having an extended substrate length longer than a length of a pin substrate of an industry-standard USB connector plug, and wherein the extended USB plugs and sockets further each include a plurality of USB connector contacts configured to carry USB signals and a plurality of non-USB connector contacts configured to carry non-USB signals with the plug and socket connector contacts being structured to interconnect for transmitting such plurality USB signals and non-USB signals; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,646, “Connectors Having A USB-Like Form Factor For Supporting USB And Non-USB Protocols” issued to Chou, et al. on Feb. 27, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference, which discloses an extended Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug and extended Universal Serial Bus (USB) socket, wherein the USB plug includes an extended pin substrate and at least some of a plurality of contacts thereon that are dimensioned to be mechanically compatible with an industry-standard USB socket and further lacks an industry-standard cover associated with an industry-standard USB plug, thereby causing the extended USB plug to be thinner than the industry-standard USB plug, and the extended USB socket includes an extended cavity having an extended cavity length longer than a length of a cavity of an industry-standard USB connector socket and at least some of a plurality of pins therein that are dimensioned to be mechanically compatible with an industry-standard USB connector plug. Other USB electrical signal connectors also may be substituted for the external USB socket connection 136 d without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The a plurality of peripheral device connectors 136 a, 136 b through 136 n optionally also includes, by example and without limitation, an external power supply connection 136 e, an audio output 136 f, a microphone input 136 g, a modem 136 h, serial connections 136 j and 136 k, and a parallel connection 136 m. These peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n are electrically coupled to the docking station's expansion connector 108, as discussed herein. As illustrated here, the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 is projected from the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b and is optionally oriented substantially perpendicular thereto. Therefore, the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n face across the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b and are protected by the integral rear housing 140.

Additionally illustrated here is an external wire harness support 158 that provides strain relief to a plurality of connections between the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n and connectors 160 on a wiring harness 162, as illustrated in subsequent figures. By example and without limitation, the external wire harness support 158 includes one or more individual cable supports 164 a, 164 b through 164 n projected from the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b adjacent to the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 on the integral rear housing 140. As illustrated, each of the one or more individual cable supports 164 a-164 n positioned in close proximity to one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n. Optionally, each of the individual cable supports 164 a-164 n is substantially aligned with one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n. Each of the individual cable supports 164 a-164 n provides strain relief for a cable connected to a respective one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n. The external wire harness support 158 further includes one or more gang cable supports 166 projected from the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b in a position spaced away from the group of individual cable supports 164 a-164 n, and optionally spaced away from the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 as well. Optionally, one or more additional gang cable supports 166 are provided on the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b in positions that are spaced away from the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 and spaced away from others of the peripheral device connectors 136 j-136 m.

FIG. 10 is another bottom perspective view of the novel docking station 100 that includes the wiring harness 162 having a plurality of individual cables 168 each having one of the connectors 160 coupled to a respective one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n presented on the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b. For clarity and by example and without limitation, the wiring harness 162 is illustrated here having two individual cables 168 a and 168 b each having one of the connectors 160 coupled to one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n. The external wire harness support 158 of the novel docking station is illustrated having wire ties 170 tying the individual cables 168 a, 168 b to respective individual cable supports 164 a, 164 b. Furthermore, another of the wire ties 170 straps a group or “gang” of the individual cables 168 a, 168 b to one of the gang supports 166. The wire ties 170 are any wire ties selected from a group of wire ties of various types that are generally well-known in the art. For example, the wire ties 170 may be plastic coated wires, plastic straps with a catch at one end that mates with teeth along one face, and other known wire ties.

Also illustrated are more of the edge mounting holes 148 formed along the mutual contact line 103 between the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b of the docking station's two-piece body 102. Additional one or more of the edge mounting holes 148 are optionally formed along the mutual contact line 103 which extends between respective front faces 172 and 174 of the docking station's upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b.

FIG. 11 is another bottom perspective view of the novel docking station 100 that includes the wiring harness 162 having a plurality of individual cables each having one of the connectors 160 coupled to a respective one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n presented on the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b. For clarity and by example and without limitation, the wiring harness 162 is illustrated here having two individual cables 168 a and 168 b each having one of the connectors 160 coupled to one of the peripheral device connectors 136 b and 136 c. The external wire harness support 158 of the novel docking station is illustrated having wire ties 170 tying the individual cables 168 a, 168 b to respective individual cable supports 164 a, 164 b. Furthermore, another of the wire ties 170 straps a group or “gang” of the individual cables 168 a, 168 b to one of the gang supports 166. The wire ties 170 are any wire ties selected from a group of wire ties of various types that are generally well-known in the art. For example, the wire ties 170 may be plastic coated wires, plastic straps with a catch at one end that mates with teeth along one face, and other known wire ties.

FIG. 12 is a close-up bottom perspective view of the novel docking station 100 that includes the wiring harness 162 having a plurality of individual cables 168 each having one of the connectors 160 coupled to a respective one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n presented on the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b. For clarity and by example and without limitation, the wiring harness 162 is also illustrated here having two individual cables 168 a and 168 b each having one of the connectors 160 coupled to one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n. The external wire harness support 158 of the novel docking station is illustrated having wire ties 170 tying the individual cables 168 a, 168 b to respective individual cable supports 164 a, 164 b. Furthermore, another of the wire ties 170 straps a group or “gang” of the individual cables 168 a, 168 b to one of the gang supports 166. The wire ties 170 are any wire ties selected from a group of wire ties of various types that are generally well-known in the art. For example, the wire ties 170 may be plastic coated wires, plastic straps with a catch at one end that mates with teeth along one face, and other known wire ties.

As also illustrated here with respect to the unoccupied individual cable 164 n, each of the individual cable supports 164 a-164 n is formed with a valley 176 that is structured to securely receive the cable 168 a, 168 b thereinto. The valley 176 is spaced away from the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b to the extent that it is substantially aligned with the corresponding one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n on the presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b such that the respective cable 168 a-168 n is substantially straight between the respective cable support 164 a-164 n and peripheral device connector 136 a-136 n. By example and without limitation, the valley 176 is optionally curved in a semi-tubular shape to conform to the typical round cable shape and sized to admit such cable. The cable support 164 n is further shown to include wall portion 178 extended from either side of the curved valley 176 and substantially contiguous therewith and oriented tangentially therewith. The wall portions 178 are optionally crenellated as shown, or continuous.

Clearance is provided for the wire ties 170 between the valley 176 and the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b. By example and without limitation, the wire tie clearance is provided by a tunnel 180 that is extend under and completely through each of the individual cable supports 164 a-164 n directly below and slightly spaced away from the valley 176 and oriented crosswise of the valley 176. Optionally, a slight recess 182 is formed in the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b directly below the valley 176, such that the tunnel 180 is recessed into the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b directly below and slightly spaced away from the valley 176.

FIG. 13 is another close-up bottom perspective view of the docking station's external wire harness support 158 of the novel docking station without the wiring harness 162. As illustrated, the individual cable supports 164 a-164 n are each formed on the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b in a position that is spaced away from a corresponding one of the peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n on the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b. The valleys 176 are illustrated as being curved in a semi-cylindrical form that is substantially aligned with the corresponding peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n on the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138. Additionally, the valley 176 portion of each cable support 164 a-164 n is illustrated with the wall portion 178 extended from either side thereof and substantially contiguous therewith and oriented tangentially therewith. The wall portions 178 are shown as being optionally crenellated, but the wall portions 178 are optionally continuous.

The tunnel 180 is illustrated here as an optional single common tunnel having the optional recess 182 extending under all of the individual cable supports 164 a-164 n and beyond them to either end 184 and 186.

The gang support 166 is illustrated as being formed with a substantial body portion 200 spaced from the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b on spaced apart legs 202 that are projected from the bottom plane 156. Furthermore, one of the gang supports 166 is illustrated as including a tunnel 188 formed thereunder and having an optional recess 189 recessed into the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b substantially crosswise thereof. Optionally, the tunnel 188 extends therebeyond to either side 190 and 192.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view that shows the cable supports 164 a-164 n of the external wire harness support 158 each being formed with a substantial body portion 194 projected from the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b. The valley 176 is formed in the body 194 distal of the bottom plane 156, and the crenellated wall portions 178 extended therefrom. The tunnel 180 is illustrated here as the optional single common tunnel having the optional recess 182 extending under all of the individual cable supports 164 a-164 n and beyond them to either end 184 and 186. Furthermore, the tunnel 180 is illustrated here as being formed completely through the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b.

The cables 168 a, 168 b are shown seated in the valleys 176 of the respective cable supports 164 a, 164 b of the docking station's external wire harness support 158. The cables 168 a, 168 b are secured in place by the wire ties 170 wrapped around the body portion 194 a, 194 b of the respective cable supports 164 a, 164 b. Furthermore, the wire ties 170 pass through embrasures 196 between spaced apart merlons 198 that form the crenellated wall portions 178.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the external wire harness support 158 that shows a side view of the cable supports 164 a-164 n and an end cross-sectional view of one of the gang supports 166 projected from the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b. The cables 168 a, 168 b are shown seated in the valleys 176 of the respective cable supports 164 a, 164 b and being secured in place by the wire ties 170 wrapped around the respective body portion 194 a, 194 b thereof. Furthermore, the wire ties 170 are shown passing through the embrasures 196 between the spaced apart merlons 198 that form the crenellated wall portions 178.

In the end cross-sectional view of the gang support 166, the gang support 166 is illustrated as being formed with the substantial body portion 200 that is projected from the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b on the spaced apart legs 202 (one shown, more clearly shown in FIG. 13). The cables 168 a, 168 b are gathered together and secured in place by a single wire tie 170 wrapped around the body portion 200. Furthermore, that form the crenellated wall portions 178. Optionally, the gang support 166 is substantially the same as the cable supports 164 a-164 n and includes the crenellated wall portions 178 spaced apart on either lengthwise side 190, 192 of the body portion 200 and formed distal of the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b, and the wire tie 170 pass through embrasures 196 between spaced apart merlons 198 of the crenellated wall portions 178.

FIG. 16 is perspective view inside the upper body portion 102 a and illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the present novel docking station as well as features of the upper body portion 102 a that operate with the expansion connector drive mechanism 118. By example and without limitation the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 is formed of a single-piece elongated frame 204 having a substantially planar interface surface 233 (shown in one or more subsequent figures). A follower mechanism 206 is provided by example and without limitation as an elongated lengthwise inner slot that extends substantially along a longitudinal axis L thereof for nearly the entire length of the frame 204 within a retention plate 207. An integral expanded connector seat 208 is positioned at a first distal or far end 210 of the frame 204 for mounting the expansion connector 108 thereon.

An inner surface 224 of the upper body portion's substantially rigid bearing plate 105 opposite from the bearing surface 104 includes a guide mechanism 226 that cooperates with the inner slot 206 to guide the frame 204 substantially along a drive axis DA that is substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis L of the slot 206. The inner slot follower mechanism 206 of the frame 204 thus cooperates with the guide mechanism 226 for moving the frame 204 across the inner surface 224 of the upper body portion 102 a along the drive axis DA with the frame's substantially planar interface surface 233 moving substantially parallel with the inner surface 224 of the bearing plate 105. Here, the interior of the guide mechanism 226 is exposed for clarity. By example and without limitation, the guide mechanism 226 is formed by two guides 228 arranged on the upper body portion's inner surface 224 in spaced apart positions along the drive axis DA. Optionally, the guides 228 are rotating disk guides formed as wheels or rollers that rotate about respective axles or hubs 232 provided on the upper body portion's inner surface 224. The axles or hubs 232 may be configured to space the rotating disk guides 228 slightly away from the upper body portion's inner surface 224 for easier rotation. By example and without limitation, the two guides 228 are optionally provided as one or more slides fixed to the inner surface 224 of the upper body portion 102 a and permit the frame 204 to slide freely along the drive axis DA. As described herein below, the frame 204 is constrained relative to the guides 228 to move across the upper body portion's inner surface 224 along the drive axis DA.

When mounted on the connector seat 208 at the far end 210 of the frame 204, the expansion connector 108 fits within the cavity portion 128 of the housing 126 and extends above the bearing surface 104 of the upper body portion 102 a. The frame 204 is moveable, either by sliding or rolling, in cooperation with the guide mechanism 226 across the inner surface 224 of the upper body portion 102 a and along the drive axis DA.

The expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the novel docking station also provides a small amount of lateral play (indicated by arrow 241) such that the connector seat 208 is permitted to move laterally relative to the upper body portion's inner surface 224 and the bearing surface 104 on the opposite surface of the bearing plate 105 and substantially crosswise of the drive axis DA. For example, the follower mechanism or slot 206 fits with sufficient play on the guides 228 that the frame 204 is permitted sufficient lateral play along arrow 241 that lateral play the connector seat 208 permits electrical expansion connector 108 securely mounted thereon to move laterally relative to the bearing surface 104 of the upper body portion's bearing plate 105. Thus, although is securely mounted on the bracket 130 without appreciable lateral play, the connector seat 208 actually has sufficient lateral play through the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the novel docking station to establish both a nominal docking position of the expansion connector 108 relative to the computer's I/O connector 4 and a final insertion position of the pin receptors or pins (shown) 122 relative to the I/O connector's pin receptors (or pins) 4 c. Thus, the complexity of the prior art bracket 18, as discussed herein above, is eliminated, while the positioning function is maintained as a feature of the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the novel docking station.

An integral catch mechanism 212 and integral handle 214 are both positioned adjacent to a second proximal or near end 216 of the frame 204 opposite from the connector seat 208. The handle 214 may be provided, by example and without limitation, on one side 218 of the frame 204, while the catch mechanism 212 may be provided, by example and without limitation, at the near end 216. The catch mechanism 212 is structured to cooperate with the locking latch mechanism 134 for securely fixing the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 relative to the upper body portion 102 a of the docking station 100 with the bracket 130 holding the expansion connector 108 and guide arms 116 a, 116 b on either side thereof in a deployed position, i.e., with the expansion connector 108 outside the cavity 128 and extended over the bearing surface 104. By example and without limitation, the frame's integral catch mechanism 212 includes a lip portion 242 of the that engages either the optional lock mechanism 134, or an alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 (shown here), which is optionally substituted.

As illustrated here, the alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 is substituted for the optional locking latch mechanism 134. The alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 similarly constrains the expansion connector 108 to remain in the deployed position, as described herein. By example and without limitation, the alternative non-locking latch 244 is a flexible latch mechanism of the type illustrated in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/064,777 filed in the name of the inventor of the present novel docking station on Feb. 23, 2005, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Alternatively, when present, the optional locking mechanism 134 lockingly secures the expansion connector 108 in the deployed position.

The sensing means 123 is provided as a security mechanism 220 that is structured to cooperate with the safety catch 124 to resist deployment of the expansion connector 108 until the computer 1 is seated against the bearing surface 104 and the computer's I/O connector 4 is positioned to receive the expansion connector 108. By example and without limitation, the security mechanism 220 is provided in an integral security plate 221 formed, by example and without limitation, along the side 218 of the frame 204 and spaced away from the lengthwise inner slot 206, for example, between the connector seat 208 and the handle 214. The security mechanism 220 is provided as a keyhole 222 formed in the security plate 221, the keyhole 222 being structured for cooperating with the safety catch 124 such that, when the safety catch 124 is engaged with the keyhole 222, the frame 204 cannot be moved relative to the casing's upper body portion 102 a. Furthermore, when the safety catch 124 is disengaged from the cooperating keyhole 222 in the security plate 221, the frame 204 is free to move along the longitudinal axis L.

The novel expansion connector drive mechanism 118 is operated by first depressing the safety catch 124 relative to the bearing surface 104 of the upper body portion 102 a, for example by seating the bottom face 2 a of the computer casing 2 against the bearing surface 104. Depressing the safety catch 124 simultaneously disengages the safety catch 124 of the security mechanism 220 from the cooperating keyhole portion 222 in the security plate 221, which thereby permits the frame 204 to move along the frame drive axis DA. The handle 214 of the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 is pulled along the drive axis DA toward the front face 172 of the casing's upper body portion 102 a, which in turn pulls the expansion connector 108 and the guide arms 116 a, 116 b on either side thereof into the deployed position described herein, i.e., with the expansion connector 108 outside the cavity 128 and extended over the bearing surface 104. The lip portion 242 of the frame's integral catch mechanism 212 engages either the optional lock mechanism 134, or alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 (shown here), which constrains the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 in the deployed position.

An optional retraction mechanism 246 is operated for retracting the electrical expansion connector 108 from the deployed position by driving the frame 204 along the drive axis DA away from the upper body portion's front face 172 toward its rear face 248. By example and without limitation, the retraction mechanism 246 includes a resilient biasing mechanism 250, such as a tension spring (shown), that is coupled between the rear face 248 of the upper body portion 102 a and the second or near end 216 of the frame 204 adjacent to the handle 214. The biasing mechanism 250 operates between the rear face 248 and the near end 216 of the frame 204 for pulling the frame 204 toward the rear face 248. The biasing mechanism 250 thereby operates to automatically retract the expansion connector 108 from the deployed position when the locking latch mechanism 134 or non-locking latch mechanism 244 (shown here) is operated to release the frame's integral catch mechanism 212. Alternatively, as illustrated, the spring 250 is coupled between a stanchion 251 near the rear face 248 and the near end 216 of the frame 204 for retracting the expansion connector 108.

Furthermore, the resilient biasing mechanism or tension spring 250 being mounted on one side 218 of the frame 204 offset of the drive axis DA provides leverage to the force applied by the spring 250. Therefore, the spring 250 also biases the frame 204 on the guides 228 relative to the upper body portion's inner surface 224 crosswise of the drive axis DA. Accordingly, the spring 250 also pulls the inner slot 206 of the frame 204 against the guides 228 so that the connector seat 208 and the expansion connector 108 securely mounted thereon are biased laterally relative to the upper body portion's inner surface 224 and the bearing surface 104 on the opposite surface of the bearing plate 105 and substantially crosswise of the drive axis DA. The lateral bias provided by the offset biasing mechanism 250 stabilizes the expansion connector 108 relative to the computer's I/O connector 4 for reducing effects on the interconnection of shocks and vibrations experienced by the docking station 100. The novel expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the novel docking station thus further improves the interconnection of expansion connector 108 with the computer's I/O connector 4 over the prior art docking station's expansion connector 15, as discussed above.

As disclosed herein, the safety catch 124 will not interfere with the retraction mechanism 246 retracting the frame 204. However, another biasing mechanism 252 (shown in subsequent figures) operates to reset the sensing means for sensing that the computer's casing 2 is emplaced on the docking station's bearing surface 104 before the expansion connector drive 118 can be operated.

FIG. 17 illustrates the alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 by example and without limitation as a flexible latch mechanism of the type illustrated in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/064,777, which is incorporated herein in its entirety, for latching the expansion connector 108 in the deployed position. As illustrated here by example and without limitation the alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 includes a tooth 254 positioned at one end of a flexible arm 256 that is integrally (shown) or separately attached at its opposite end to the upper body portion 102 a, such as to the front face 172 thereof. Inclined surfaces 257 and 258 cooperate to allow the to tooth 254 to automatically engage the lip portion 242 of the frame's integral catch mechanism 212 when the frame 204 is moved into the position for deploying electrical expansion connector 108, i.e., when the near end 216 of the frame 204 is pulled close to the front face 172 of the upper body portion 102 a. A handle 260 is provided on the flexible arm 256 or another part of the alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 for disengaging the tooth 254 from the frame's lip portion 242, which releases the frame 204 for retracting the expansion connector 108 from the deployed position.

FIG. 18 illustrates the guide mechanism 226 that cooperates with the inner slot 206 to guide the frame 204 substantially along the drive axis DA. As discussed above, the frame 204 is constrained to move along the two guides 228 relative to the upper body portion's inner surface 224 along the drive axis DA. Here, by example and without limitation one or more keepers 240 are secured to the upper body portion's inner surface 224 by one or more fasteners 236 for constraining the frame 204 to move along the drive axis DA. The one or more keepers 240 also operate to constrain the guide discs 228, when present, in a position for cooperating with the inner slot 206 of the frame 204. Other structures for the guide mechanism 226 are also contemplated and may be substituted without deviating from the scope and intent of the present invention. For example, the one or more keepers 240 are provided by a pair of disk-shaped keepers, i.e., flat washers, that are secured to the upper body portion's inner surface 224 by the fasteners 236 for constraining the frame 204 to move along the drive axis DA.

FIG. 19 illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the present novel docking station as well as features of the upper body portion 102 a that operate with the expansion connector drive mechanism 118. Here, the frame 204 is shown adjacent to the rear face 248 of the upper body portion 102 a with the expansion connector 108 retracted from its deployed position. However, the security mechanism 220 is disengaged by having the safety catch 124 disengaged from the cooperating keyhole 222 in the security plate 221 so that the frame 204 is free to move along the drive axis DA. As illustrated here, the biasing mechanism 252 is shown as a compression spring that operates between the safety catch 124 and, for example, an inner surface 253 of the lower body portion 102 b (omitted here for clarity, shown in a subsequent figure) to drive the safety catch 124 into security plate 221 and reset the docking station's computer sensing means.

FIG. 20 illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the present novel docking station with the frame 204 is shown adjacent to the front face 172 of the upper body portion 102 a with the expansion connector 108 in its deployed position extended over the bearing surface 104. Here, the biasing mechanism 250 is shown as being in an expanded state for pulling the frame 204 toward the rear face 248 when the security mechanism 220 is subsequently disengaged. The biasing mechanism 250 thereupon operates to retract the expansion connector 108 from the deployed position when the optional lock mechanism 134 is operated to release the frame's integral catch mechanism 212.

FIG. 21 is a section view taken substantially along a drive axis DA of the expansion connector drive mechanism 118. This figure illustrates the novel guide mechanism 226 of the novel docking station having the movable frame 204 shifted toward the front face 172 of the upper body portion 102 a such that the integral connector seat 208 is positioned to place the expansion connector 108 (removed for clarity) in the deployed position relative to the bearing surface 104. As illustrated here, the guide mechanism 226 is formed by the two guides 228 arranged on the upper body portion's inner surface 224 in spaced apart positions along the drive axis DA within the cooperating inner slot 206 of the frame 204. By example and without limitation, the two guides 228 are illustrated here as wheels or rollers that rotate about respective axles or hubs 232 provided on the upper body portion's inner surface 224. The frame 204 is constrained to move relative to the upper body portion's inner surface 224 along the drive axis DA by a single one-piece keeper 240 that is held in place by the two fasteners 236.

As illustrated here the optionally lock mechanism 134 constrains the expansion connector 108 to remain in the deployed position, as described herein.

The latch on the upper body portion 102 a for securely fixing the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 relative to the upper body portion 102 a of the docking station 100 is illustrated here as the lock mechanism 134. As illustrated, the lock mechanism 134 includes a retractable tooth 262 positioned at one end of a lock cylinder 264 that is attached at its opposite end to the upper body portion 102 a, such as to the front face 172 thereof. An inclined lead surface 266 allows the to tooth 262 to automatically engage the lip portion 242 of the frame's integral catch mechanism 212 when the frame 204 is moved into the position for deploying the expansion connector 108, i.e., when the near end 216 of the frame 204 is pulled close to the front face 172 of the upper body portion 102 a. A key 268 is applied to a key hole 270 in the lock cylinder 264 for disengaging the tooth 262 from the frame's lip portion 242, which releases the frame 204 for retracting the expansion connector 108 from the deployed position.

FIG. 22 illustrates the docking station 100 being in an initial state of readiness to accept the computer 1 (shown in phantom) with the bottom face 2 a of the casing 2 spaced away from the docking station's bearing surface 104. Here, the expansion connector 108 is mounted on the connector seat 208 at the far end 210 of the frame 204, and the expansion connector 108 along with the two guide pins or arms 116 a, 116 b that are positioned on opposite sides thereof are fully retracted within the cavity portion 128 of the housing 126 adjacent to the bearing surface 104 at the rear face 248 of the upper body portion 102 a.

As discussed herein, when the safety catch 124 of the optional sensing mechanism 123 is engaged with the keyhole 222 in the security plate 221, as shown, the frame 204 cannot be moved relative to the casing's upper body portion 102 a and the bearing surface 104. Furthermore, the expansion connector 108 and guide pins or arms 116 a, 116 b are likewise cannot be moved out of the cavity 128 to interfere with seating the computer 1. For example, a stem portion 272 of the safety catch 124 projects above the bearing surface 104 where the computer 1 is to be seated. The stem 272 is sized to pass through both a narrow elongated slot portion 274 at a distal end of the keyhole 222, and a clearance passage 276 through the bearing surface 104. Furthermore, the stem portion 272 is cooperatively sized with the narrow slot portion 274 to slide freely along a substantial length thereof, which thus permits the frame 204 to move between the fully retracted position (shown here) and the fully deployed position (shown in subsequent figures). The stem portion 272 of the safety catch 124 extends from a base portion 278 having a shoulder 280 that is oversized relative to the passage 276 so that the upper body portion's inner surface 224 on the backside of the bearing surface 104 operates as a stop for the safety catch 124. Furthermore, the base portion 278 of the safety catch 124 is too large to pass through the narrow slot portion 274 of the keyhole 222. However, the keyhole 222 includes an enlarged passage 282 that communicates with a near end 284 of the slot portion 274 and is sized to pass the base portion 278 of the safety catch 124. As discussed herein, the safety catch 124 is structured to cooperate with the biasing mechanism 252 that operates to reset the sensing means for sensing that the computer's casing 2 is emplaced on the docking station's bearing surface 104 before the expansion connector drive 118 can be operated. By example and without limitation, when the biasing mechanism 252 is a conventional compression spring, as illustrated here, the base portion 278 of the safety catch 124 is structured with a cavity or pocket 286 that is sized to admit a first end portion 288 of the spring 252 and orient the spring 252 along a drive axis DS of the safety catch 124 that is by example and without limitation oriented substantially perpendicular to the bearing surface 104 of the upper body portion 102 a. A second end portion 290 of the spring 252 is compressed against the inner surface 253 of the lower body portion 102 b (omitted here for clarity). Accordingly, the spring 252 operates against the inner surface 253 of the lower body portion 102 b to drive the safety catch 124 through the security plate 221 and the passage 276 to project from the bearing surface 104. Thus, the docking station's computer sensing means 123 is set and the expansion connector 108 is secure against being inadvertently deployed.

FIG. 23 illustrates the docking station 100 being in an intermediate state of accepting the computer 1 (shown in phantom) with the bottom face 2 a of the casing 2 seated against the docking station's bearing surface 104. Here, the expansion connector 108 is mounted on the connector seat 208 at the far end 210 of the frame 204, and the expansion connector 108 along with the two guide pins or arms 116 a, 116 b on opposite sides thereof are still fully retracted within the cavity portion 128 of the housing 126 adjacent to the bearing surface 104 at the rear face 248 of the upper body portion 102 a.

As discussed herein, when the bottom face 2 a of the casing 2 is seated against the docking station's bearing surface 104, as shown, the compression spring of the biasing mechanism 252 is compressed against the inner surface 253 of the lower body portion 102 b (shown in a subsequent figure, removed here for clarity). Accordingly, the safety catch 124 is pushed into the passage 276 and flush with the bearing surface 104. Simultaneously, the safety catch's base portion 278, which is oversized relative to the narrow slot portion 274 of the keyhole 222, is pushed through the keyhole 222 and completely out of the security plate 221. Only the stem portion 272 of the safety catch 124 now extends through the narrow slot portion 274 of the keyhole 222. Thus, the docking station's computer sensing means 123 recognizes the presence of the computer 1 as being firmly seated against the bearing surface 104, and the expansion connector 108 can now be safely deployed.

FIG. 24 illustrates the docking station 100 being in final state of accepting the computer 1 (shown in phantom) with the bottom face 2 a of the casing 2 seated against the docking station's bearing surface 104. Furthermore, the expansion connector 108 mounted on the connector seat 208 is positioned to engage the computer's I/O connector 4. Here, the expansion connector 108 and the two guide pins or arms 116 a, 116 b on opposite sides thereof are shown as being deployed out of the cavity portion 128 of the housing 126 of the upper body portion 102 a. Accordingly, as discussed herein, engagement of the guide pins or arms 116 a, 116 b with the respective interface apertures 4 a, 4 b fine tunes positioning of the expansion connector 108 relative to the computer's I/O connector 4, whereby operation of the expansion connector drive 118 has here caused the expansion connector 108 to engage the computer's I/O connector 4, and has here caused the pins (or pin receptors) 122 to engage the pin receptors (or pins) 4 c.

As discussed herein, when the bottom face 2 a of the casing 2 is seated against the docking station's bearing surface 104, as shown here, the compression spring of the biasing mechanism 252 is compressed against the inner surface 253 of the lower body portion 102 b (shown in a subsequent figure, removed here for clarity). With the safety catch 124 being pushed into the passage 276 and flush with the bearing surface 104, the stem portion 272 of the safety catch 124 is freely moved along the narrow slot portion 274 of the keyhole 222. When only the stem portion 272 of the safety catch 124 extends through the narrow slot portion 274 of the keyhole 222, as here, the security plate 221 is moved along the drive axis DA toward the front face 172 of the upper body portion 102 a for deploying the expansion connector 108. Thus, when the computer 1 is firmly seated against the bearing surface 104, the expansion connector 108 can now be fully deployed (as illustrated) by moving the frame 204 along the drive axis DA. For example, the frame's handle 214 (shown in previous figures) is pulled toward the front face 172 of the upper body portion 102 a.

The lip portion 242 of the frame's integral catch mechanism 212 is fully engaged with the lock mechanism 134 provided on the upper body portion 102 a. Accordingly, the expansion connector 108 and guide arms 116 a, 116 b on either side thereof are configured in the deployed position described herein, i.e., out of the cavity 128 and extended over the bearing surface 104 for coupling with the computer 1. Until released, the lock mechanism 134 thus constrains the expansion connector 108 to remain in the deployed position, as described herein.

When present, the locking latch mechanism 134 is released by application of the key 268 to the key hole 270 and subsequent operation thereof. Else, the alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 is operated by application of pressure against the latch handle 260.

Upon release of either the locking latch mechanism 134 or non-locking latch mechanism 244, the retraction mechanism 246, for example the tension spring shown, automatically retracts the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 from its deployed position along with the expansion connector 108. As illustrated by example and without limitation, the frame 204 is automatically retracted from the deployed position adjacent to the front face 172 of the upper body portion 102 a toward the retracted position adjacent to the rear face 248. The guide mechanism 226 cooperates with the inner slot 206 to guide the frame 204 toward the retracted position substantially along the drive axis DA. Retraction of the frame 204 simultaneously retracts the expansion connector 108 seated thereon from the computer 1 and into the safe position within the cavity 128 of the integral housing portion 126 of the casing upper body 102 a adjacent the rear 115 of the bearing surface 104, where the expansion connector 108 is out of harm's way during removal of the computer 1, as illustrated and discussed herein.

FIG. 25 illustrates the docking station 100 being in final state of accepting the computer 1 (removed for clarity). Furthermore, the expansion connector 108 mounted on the connector seat 208 is positioned to engage the computer's I/O connector 4, as discussed herein. Here, the expansion connector 108 and the two guide pins or arms 116 a, 116 b on opposite sides thereof are shown as being deployed out of the cavity portion 128 of the housing 126 of the upper body portion 102 a by operation of the expansion connector drive 118, as discussed herein.

As discussed herein, when the bottom face 2 a of the casing 2 is seated against the docking station's bearing surface 104, as shown in previous figures, the compression spring of the biasing mechanism 252 is compressed against the inner surface 253 of the lower body portion 102 b. By example and without limitation, a cavity or pocket 292 is provided on the inner surface 253 of the lower body portion 102 b, the pocket 292 being sized to admit the second end portion 290 of the spring 252 opposite from the pocket 286 in the safety catch base portion 278, and being structured to cooperate with the pocket 286 in the safety catch base portion 278 for orienting the spring 252 along the drive axis DS of the safety catch 124. The spring 252 is thus compressed between the two pockets 286 and 292 for driving the safety catch 124 through the security plate 221 and the passage 276 to project from the bearing surface 104. Thus, the spring 252 operates to set the docking station's computer sensing means 123 for securing the expansion connector 108 against inadvertent deployment.

FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 are respective top and bottom perspective views that together illustrate one embodiment of the frame 204 portion of the expansion connector drive 118 of the novel docking station. Here, the single-piece elongated frame 204 is illustrated having the elongated lengthwise inner slot 206 extending nearly the entire length thereof substantially along the longitudinal axis L thereof. The integral expanded connector seat 208 is positioned at the first distal or far end 210 for mounting the expansion connector 108 thereon, and includes a pattern of several mounting holes 294 for attaching the expansion connector 108. The integral catch mechanism 212 and integral handle 214 portions are both positioned adjacent to the second proximal or near end 216 of the frame 204 opposite from the connector seat 208. The handle 214 may be provided, by example and without limitation, on one side 218 of the frame 204, while the catch mechanism 212 may be provided, by example and without limitation, at the near end 216. As discussed herein, the catch mechanism 212 includes the lip portion 242 that is structured to cooperate with either the locking latch mechanism 134 or alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 for securely fixing the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 relative to the upper body portion 102 a of the docking station 100 with the expansion connector 108 in a deployed position. As illustrated here by example and without limitation the lip portion 242 is integrally formed with the inclined surface 258 that cooperates with the inclined surface 257 of the latch mechanism's tooth 254 for helping the to tooth 254 to automatically engage the lip portion 242 when the frame 204 is moved into the position for deploying the expansion connector 108.

The inclined surface 258 of the lip portion 242 similarly cooperates with the inclined surface 266 of the retractable tooth 262 of the optional lock mechanism 134, when present. The inclined surface 258 similarly helps the to tooth 262 to automatically engage the lip portion 242 when the frame 204 is moved into the position for deploying the expansion connector 108.

The security mechanism 220 is structured to cooperate with the safety catch 124 to resist deployment of the expansion connector 108 until the computer 1 is seated against the bearing surface 104. Accordingly, the frame 204 includes the integral security plate 221 formed along the side 218 thereof and spaced away from the lengthwise inner slot 206 between the connector seat 208 and the handle 214. The keyhole 222 is formed in the security plate 221 with the narrow slot portion 274 formed substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis L and having the enlarged passage 282 communicating with the proximal or near end 284 thereof.

The second proximal or near end 216 of the frame 204 includes means for coupling the resilient biasing mechanism 250 for retracting the expansion connector 108 from the deployed position along the drive axis DA. By example and without limitation, the second proximal or near end 216 of the frame 204 includes a simple clearance hole 298 for coupling the biasing mechanism 250, i.e., spring 252, between it and the rear face 248 of the upper body portion 102 a, as shown in FIG. 16. The resilient biasing mechanism 250 thus operates between the upper body portion's rear face 248 and the near end 216 of the frame 204 for retracting the expansion connector drive 118 from the deployed position when the locking latch mechanism 134 or alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 is operated to release the frame's integral catch mechanism 212.

FIG. 28 is perspective view inside the upper body portion 102 a and illustrates the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the present novel docking station having a simplified single-piece elongated frame 304 having an elongated lengthwise inner slot 306 extending nearly the entire length of the frame 304 substantially along a longitudinal axis LA thereof. An integral expanded connector seat 308 is positioned at a first distal or far end 310 of the frame 304 for mounting the expansion connector 108 thereon. An integral catch mechanism 312 and integral handle portion 314 are both positioned adjacent to a second proximal or near end 316 of the frame 304 opposite from the connector seat 308. The handle 314 may be provided, by example and without limitation, on an arm 317 extended from one side 318 of the frame 304, while the catch mechanism 312 may be provided, by example and without limitation, at the near end 316. The catch mechanism 312 is structured to cooperate with either the locking latch mechanism 134 or alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 for constraining the expansion connector 108 to remain in the deployed position, as described herein.

The lengthwise slot 306 in the alternate frame 304 cooperates with the guide mechanism 226 on the inner surface 224 of the upper body portion 102 a opposite from the bearing surface 104 for guiding the frame 304 substantially along the drive axis DA, as described herein. By example and without limitation, lengthwise slot 306 cooperates with the two guides 228 of the guide mechanism 226 that are arranged on the upper body portion's inner surface 224 in spaced apart positions along the drive axis DA. By example and without limitation, the two guides 228 are optionally provided as one or more slides that permit the frame 304 to slide freely along the drive axis DA. Alternatively, the guides 228 are optionally formed as wheels or rollers that rotate about respective axles or hubs 232 provided on the upper body portion's inner surface 224. The axles or hubs 232 may be configured to space the guides 228 slightly away from the upper body portion's inner surface 224 for easier rotation. The frame 304 is constrained to move relative to the upper body portion's inner surface 224 along the drive axis DA by one or more keepers 240 (shown in phantom). For example, a pair of disc-shaped keepers 240 are secured to the upper body portion's inner surface 224 by one or more fasteners 236 for constraining the frame 304 to move along the drive axis DA. The one or more keepers 240 also operate to constrain the guide wheels 228, when present, in a position for cooperating with the inner slot 306 of the frame 304. Other structures for the guide mechanism 226 are also contemplated and may be substituted without deviating from the scope and intent of the present invention.

The alternate frame 304 is structured such that, when the expansion connector 108 is mounted on the connector seat 308 at the far end 310 of the frame 304, it fits within the cavity portion 128 of the housing 126 and extends above the bearing surface 104 of the upper body portion 102 a. The alternate frame 304 is moveable, either by sliding or rolling, in cooperation with the guide mechanism 226 across the inner surface 224 of the upper body portion 102 a and along the drive axis DA.

A security mechanism 320 is structured to cooperate with the safety catch 124 to resist deployment of the expansion connector 108 until the computer 1 is seated against the bearing surface 104 and the computer's I/O connector 4 is positioned to receive the expansion connector 108. Similar to the security mechanism 220 of the frame 204 discussed herein, by example and without limitation, the security mechanism 320 of the alternate frame 304 is provided in an integral security plate 321 formed, by example and without limitation, along the side 318 of the frame 304 and spaced away from the lengthwise inner slot 306, for example, between the connector seat 308 and the handle 314. The security mechanism 320 is provided as a keyhole 322 formed in the security plate 321, the keyhole 322 being structured for cooperating with the safety catch 124 such that, when the safety catch 124 is engaged with the keyhole 322, the frame 304 cannot be moved relative to the casing's upper body portion 102 a. For example, the keyhole 322 includes at a distal end thereof a narrow slot portion 324 sized to freely move the stem portion 272 of the safety catch 124 along a substantial length thereof so that the frame 304 is permitted to move between the fully retracted position (shown here) and the fully deployed position (shown in previous figures). The keyhole 322 also includes an enlarged passage 326 that communicates with a near end 328 of the slot portion 324 and is sized to pass the base portion 278 of the safety catch 124 for disarming the safety catch 124.

Similar to the novel expansion connector drive mechanism 118 operated with the frame 204, here the novel expansion connector drive mechanism 118 of the novel docking station is operated by first depressing the safety catch 124 relative to the bearing surface 104 of the upper body portion 102 a, for example by seating the bottom face 2 a of the computer casing 2 against the bearing surface 104. Depressing the safety catch 124 simultaneously disengages the safety catch 124 of the security mechanism 320 from the cooperating keyhole portion 322 in the security plate 321, which thereby permits the frame 304 to move along the frame drive axis DA. The handle 314 of the expansion connector drive mechanism 118 is pulled parallel to the drive axis DA toward the front face 172 of the casing's upper body portion 102 a, which in turn pulls the expansion connector 108 and guide arms 116 a, 116 b on either side thereof into the deployed position described herein, i.e., the expansion connector 108 outside the cavity 128 and extended over the bearing surface 104. A integral lip portion 330 of the frame's integral catch mechanism 312 engages either the locking latch mechanism 134 (shown) or the alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 provided on the upper body portion 102 a. The locking latch mechanism 134 (shown) or alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 constrains the expansion connector 108 to remain in the deployed position, as described herein. As illustrated, the a retractable tooth 262 of the lock mechanism 134 automatically engages the lip 330 when the alternate frame 304 is moved into the position for deploying the expansion connector 108 as discussed herein. For example, an inclined lead surface 332 on the frame's lip portion 330 cooperates with the lead surface 258 to automatically engage the tooth 262 of the lock mechanism 134 when the alternate frame 304 is moved into the position for deploying the expansion connector 108.

The retraction mechanism 246 automatically retracts the expansion connector 108 from the deployed position by pulling the frame 304 along the drive axis DA away from the upper body portion's front face 172 toward its rear face 248. By example and without limitation, the biasing mechanism 250, such as a tension spring (shown), is coupled between the rear face 248 and a simple catchment 334 at the second or near end 316 of the frame 304 adjacent to the handle 314. The biasing mechanism 250 operates between the rear face 248 the catchment 334 for retracting the frame 304 toward the rear face 248. The biasing mechanism 250 thereby operates to retract the expansion connector 108 from the deployed position when the locking latch mechanism 134 (shown) or alternative non-locking latch mechanism 244 is operated to release the frame's integral catch mechanism 312.

Alternatively, a compression spring 335 is substituted for the compression spring as the biasing mechanism 250 of the retraction mechanism 246 for automatically retracting the expansion connector 108 from the deployed position. The compression spring 335 operates by pushing the frame 304 along the drive axis DA away from the upper body portion's front face 172 toward its rear face 248.

As disclosed herein, the safety catch 124 will not interfere with retraction of the alternate frame 304. However, the biasing mechanism 252 operates to reset the sensing means for sensing that the computer's casing 2 is emplaced on the docking station's bearing surface 104 before the expansion connector drive 118 can be operated.

FIG. 29 is an upside-down close-up view showing the edge mounting holes 148 formed along the mutual contact line 103 between the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b of the docking station's two-piece body 102. As discussed herein, the edge mounting holes 148 each provide novel means for holding for example but not limited to a square- or hex-shaped mechanical nut N with its threaded bore aligned with the respective mounting hole 148 substantially parallel with the bearing surface 104 and perpendicular to respective side faces 152 and 154 of the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b. Any external device can be threadedly attached to the body 102 by means of the shaft S of a screw or bolt B being inserted into a selected one of the edge mounting holes 148 and threaded into the bore of the nut N.

The edge mounting holes 148 are formed by a pair of mating shapes 336 and 338 formed in the docking station's two-piece body 102 through the mating upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b. The shapes 336, 338 meet along the mutual contact line 103. By example and without limitation, the edge mounting holes 148 are formed by a pair of mating semi-circular holes 336 and 338 formed in the docking station's two-piece body 102 through the mating upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b along the mutual contact line 103. However, the mating holes 336, 338 may alternatively be different in shape from semi-circular, for example, the holes 336, 338 may be mating rectangular shapes that form a square hole when mated, or semi-hexagonal shapes that form a hexagonal shape when mated, or another combination of shapes that form an aperture adjacent to the mating line 103 of the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b, and such shapes may be substituted for the semi-circular shapes illustrated without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the entire shape of the resultant edge mounting holes 148 may be alternatively formed in the edge of either one of the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, as illustrated by the edge mounting hole 148 at the far left of the figure, the edge mounting holes 148 may alternatively be formed as a generally “U” or “V” or square-shaped hole 336 entirely within an edge portion 340 of one of the side faces 154 of the lower body portion 102 b, or the front 172 or rear face 248, while the mating hole is entirely eliminated from the upper body portion 102 a, and the shape 338 is an edge portion 342 of an opposite face 154, 174 or 248 of the upper body portion 102 a that is exposed by the hole 336 in the lower body portion 102 b, whereby the edge mounting hole 148 is formed by the shaped hole 336 that is closed by the mating shape 338 of the upper body portion's exposed edge portion 342. Alternatively, as illustrated by the edge mounting hole 148 at the center of the figure, the edge mounting holes 148 may alternatively be formed as a generally “U” or “V” or square-shaped hole 338 entirely within the edge portion 342 of the upper body portion 102 a, while the mating hole 336 is entirely eliminated from the lower body portion 102 b, and the shape 336 is the edge portion 340 of the lower body portion 102 b that is exposed by the hole 338 in the upper body portion 102 a, whereby the edge mounting hole 148 is formed by the shaped hole 338 that is closed by the mating shape 336 of the lower body portion's exposed edge portion 340.

Each of the edge mounting holes 148 is backed by a respective nut pocket 346 formed by an open well 348. As illustrated by the cross-sectional view of the edge mounting hole 148 and corresponding nut pocket 346, the well 348 of the integral nut pocket 346 is formed in one of the upper body portion 102 a or the lower body portion 102 b (shown). The well 348 is generally rectangular in cross-section and extends through the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b past the contact line 103. The well 348 is formed having an opening 350 formed in the bottom plane 156 of the lower body portion 102 b (shown) or adjacent to the bearing surface 104 in the upper body portion 102 a. The nut pocket's well 348 and opening 350 thereto are sized to admit a nut N of a desired size, such as #2, #4, #6, #8, #10, ¼ inch, or metric size nut or bolt head H. For example, the well 348 is formed by a pair of spaced apart rigid side walls 352 and 354 that extend inwardly of the side face 154 of the lower body portion 102 b and downwardly of the bottom plane 156 and substantially perpendicular to each. The side walls 352, 354 are sufficiently spaced to easily admit the nut N of the desired size without being significantly oversized such that the nut N cannot rotate in the well 348. The side walls 352, 354 may include a slight draft angle from the opening 350 toward the contact line 103. The mating shapes 336, 338 along the contact line 103 are correspondingly sized to admit the shaft of the bolt B sized to mate with the nut N.

FIG. 30 illustrates that an extension portion 356 of each well 348 extends past the contact line 103. The extension portion 356 closes the end of the corresponding well 348. The extension portion 356 is optionally formed integrally with the corresponding well 348, and may optionally be formed into a point having integral bottom walls 358 and 360 that are contiguous along a corner 362 in the central bottom of the nut pocket's well 348. Additionally, the bottom walls 358, 360 may optionally form an included angle 363 therebetween centered about the corner 362, the included angle 363 being constructed to mate with the angled walls of the nut N of the desired size and shape, i.e., square or hex. For example, the included angle 363 between the bottom walls 358, 360 is structured to mate with the nut N such as a square or hex nut (shown), whereby the nut N is constrained from turning when torque is applied during insertion and tightening of the screw or bolt B. For example, the angle 363 formed by the bottom walls 358, 360 is about 90 degrees to accommodate a square nut. Alternatively, the angle 363 is about 120 degrees to accommodate a hex nut.

The extension portion 356 of the well 348 may be integral with the side walls 352, 354 (shown at center and right) and extended from the upper or lower body portion 102 b (shown) past the contact line 103 toward the opposite lower or upper body portion 102 a (shown). As illustrated (center and right) the nut pockets 346 are optionally fully formed in the selected upper body portion 102 a or lower body portion 102 b (shown). Alternatively, as illustrated by the nut pocket 340 (far left) the extension portion 356 is optionally formed in the opposing body portion 102 a (shown) and positioned to align with the walls 352, 354 of the well 348.

Each nut pocket's well 348 also includes a backing panel 364 that is optionally integral with the well's side walls 352, 354 and is spaced away from the side faces 152 and 154 of the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b sufficiently to admit the nut N of desired size. The backing panel 364 is a means for constraining the nut N from backing away from the edge hole 148 when the screw or bolt B is applied thereto.

Also illustrated here is the simplicity of operation of the nut pockets 346. Here, the nut pocket 346 is operated by simply dropping the nut N of the appropriate size through the opening 350 into the well 348 corresponding to the selected edge mounting hole 148 with two of the nut's parallel sides S1 and S2 oriented substantially parallel with the well's side walls 352, 354, as illustrated. Thereafter, the nut N falls into the extension portion 356 at the end of the well 348 and nests between the side walls 352, 354 and the bottom walls 358, 360 of the extension 356 that combine to form the bottom of the well 348. Upon the nut N nesting in the extension portion 356 of the well 348, the nut's threaded bore Nb substantially automatically self-aligns with the edge mounting hole 148. Thereafter, the screw or bolt B of the appropriate size is inserted through the corresponding hole 148 and threaded into the nut's bore Nb for attaching a desired edge attachment.

FIG. 31 is a section view of the nut pockets 346 taken from inside the two-piece body 102 of the novel docking station 100. Here, the nut pocket 346 (far left) is illustrated having the extension portion 356 optionally formed in the opposing body portion 102 a (shown) and positioned in alignment with the walls 352, 354 of the well 348.

This view also illustrates two of a plurality of optional tabs 366 that extend between the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b for alignment therebetween.

FIG. 32 is a section view of the nut pockets 346 taken from inside the two-piece body 102 of the novel docking station 100. Here, the nut pocket 346 (far left) is illustrated having the extension portion 356 optionally formed in the opposing body portion 102 a (shown) and positioned in alignment with the walls 352, 354 of the well 348. The nut N is illustrated as being installed in the nut pocket 346 with the screw or bolt B inserted through the edge mounting hole 148 and mated with the nut N. The screw or bolt B is thereby positioned to secure an external object O (shown in phantom) to the sides 152, 154 of the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b of the novel docking station 100.

FIG. 33 illustrates the nut N installed in the nut pocket 346 with the screw or bolt B inserted through the edge mounting hole 148 and mated with the nut N. The screw or bolt B is thereby positioned to secure the external object O (shown in phantom) to the sides 152, 154 of the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b of the novel docking station 100.

FIG. 34 illustrates lower body portion 102 b with the upper body portion 102 a removed for clarity. Here, the nut pockets 346 are illustrated as being optionally fully formed in the selected upper body portion 102 a or lower body portion 102 b (shown). The extension portion 356 of the well 348 is integral with the side walls 352, 354 and extended from the upper or lower body portion 102 b (shown) past the contact line 103 toward the opposite lower or upper body portion 102 a (shown). The nut N is illustrated as being installed in the nut pocket 346 with the screw or bolt B inserted through the edge mounting hole 148 and mated with the nut N.

FIG. 35 illustrates one of the edge mounting holes 148 alternatively formed with a screw or bolt pocket 368 formed by example and without limitation as a pair of mating pockets 370 and 372 (shown in a subsequent figure) integrally formed on inside surfaces 374 and 376 of the respective lower body portion 102 b and upper body portion 102 a and adjacent to the respective edges 340 and 342 thereof. The pocket 370 is formed by example and without limitation as a construction of integral walls 378 interconnected along corners 380 and a backing panel 382 integrated with the walls 378. The pockets 370, 372 mate along the contact line 103 of the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b in substantial alignment with the corresponding shaped holes 336, 338 that form the edge mounting hole 148. The screw pockets 368 are optionally formed with a substantially square shape to accommodate a square-head screw or bolt of a desired size, or may be formed with a substantially hexagonal shape (shown) to accommodate a hex-head screw or bolt of the desired size. Each screw pocket 368 is thus structured to mate with the square or hex head of the screw or bolt B, whereby the screw or bolt B is constrained from turning when torque is applied during installation and tightening of the mating nut N for securing the external object.

FIG. 36 is a section view of one of the screw pockets 368 taken from inside the two-piece body 102 of the novel docking station 100. Here, the screw pocket 368 is illustrated having the mating pockets 370 and 372 integrally formed on inside surfaces 374 and 376 of the respective lower body portion 102 b and upper body portion 102 a and adjacent to the respective edges 340 and 342 thereof. The mating pockets 370 and 372 are illustrated with the respective backing panels 382 removed for clarity. The mating pockets 370 and 372 are positioned in alignment with the shaped holes 336, 338 that form the corresponding edge mounting hole 148 (shown in previous figures). The screw pockets 368 are optionally formed with a substantially square shape to accommodate the head H of the square-head screw or bolt B of a desired size, or may be formed with a substantially hexagonal shape (shown) to accommodate a hex-head screw or bolt B of the desired size.

FIG. 37 illustrates the screw pocket 368 being alternatively configured to accommodate a carriage bolt Bc (shown in phantom) wherein the pocket 368 is formed having integral near and far portions 384 and 386 substantially aligned with the shaped nut hole 338 (or 336), and the integral backing panel 364. The near portion 384 adjacent to the wall 152 (or 154) of the body portion 102 a (or 102 b) is formed as one half of a square, either as an approximately 90 degree “V” shape or a rectangle (shown) that is sized to accept a square base portion Bc1 of the carriage bolt head Bch without turning when the nut N is installed and tightened. The far portion 386 spaced away from the wall 152 of the body portion 102 a by the depth of the near portion 384 is structured to accept a round pan portion Bc2 of the carriage bolt Bc. By example and without limitation, the far portion 386 of the screw pocket 368 is a “V” shape or a rectangle shape (shown) aligned with the shaped hole 338 (or 336) and sized to accept the round pan portion Bc2 of the carriage bolt Bc.

FIG. 38 is a section view of the screw or carriage bolt pocket 368 taken from inside the two-piece body 102 of the novel docking station 100. Here, the carriage bolt pocket 368 is illustrated by example and without limitation as having the far portion 386 of the screw pocket 368 being a semi-cylindrical shape aligned with the shaped hole 338 (or 336) and sized to accept the round pan portion Bc2 of the carriage bolt Bc.

FIG. 39 illustrates the novel display unit support 142 of the novel docking station that is structured for supporting the computer's flat display unit 9. The display unit support 142 includes an elongated rigid support arm 388 having a first pivot end portion 390 that is pivotally coupled to the docking station body 102, the rigid support arm 388 being pivotal about a pivot axis 392 in a plane 394 that is substantially parallel and adjacent to the side faces 152, 154 of the body portions 102 a, 102 b and substantially perpendicular to the upper body portion's bearing surface 104. By example and without limitation, the pivot end 390 of the support arm 388 is coupled in a pivotal relationship with the two-piece body 102 by a pivot mechanism 398. For example, the pivot mechanism 398 operates about the pivot axis 392 between a hub portion 400 of the body 102 and an enlarged shoulder portion 402 at the pivot end 390 of the arm 388. According to one optional embodiment of the display unit support 142, the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388 rotates about a pivot axle 404 (shown in one or more subsequent figures) that is aligned along the pivot axis 392 and extends between a hub portion 400 of the body 102 and the arm's shoulder portion 402. Alternative embodiments of the pivot mechanism 398 may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The support arm 388 is constrained to operate about the pivot mechanism 398 with the shoulder portion 402 abutting the body's hub portion 400 by the pivot mechanism 398. By example and without limitation, the axle 404 is optionally a screw or bolt passed through one of the edge mounting holes 148 of the type described herein and threaded into a nut 406 (shown in one or more subsequent figures) in one of the nut pockets 346 of the type described herein. Thereafter, a knob or handle 408 on the axle 404 is operated for tightening and loosening of the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388 vis-á-vis the hub portion 400 of the body 102 by turning relative to the nut 406 in the nut pocket 346 of the body 102. Thus, the handle 408 on the head portion 410 of the axle 404 operates against an outside face 412 of the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388 to compress the shoulder portion 402 against the body's hub 400. Accordingly, friction between the shoulder portion 402 and the hub 400 caused by tightening of the handle 408 on the head portion 410 of the axle 404 constrains the support arm 388 to remain in a selected rotational orientation with the upper body portion's bearing surface 104. The display unit support 142 thus constrains the computer's flat display unit 9 in the selected rotational orientation. The rotational orientation of the support arm 388 of the display unit support 142 with the upper body portion's bearing surface 104 is thus infinitely adjustable by alternately loosening and tightening the handle 408.

The novel display unit support 142 of the novel docking station also includes a novel display unit clamping mechanism 414 adjacent to a second extreme support end portion 416 of the rigid support arm 388 opposite from the first pivot end portion 390. By example and without limitation, the display unit clamping mechanism 414 adjacent to the second support end portion 416 of the support arm 388 is structured as a spring-loaded vice for constraining the display unit 9 relative to the support end portion 416 of the support arm 388. Accordingly, the display unit 9 is pinched between an integral substantially rigid anvil 418 and a separate and rotatable substantially rigid jaw 420. By example and without limitation, the clamping mechanism 414 includes the substantially rigid anvil 418 being integral with the elongated support arm 388. The supporting anvil 418 is extended laterally to a longitudinal axis 422 of the support arm 388 to an extent 423 that at least an end portion 424 of the anvil 418 distal from the support arm 388 is projected into space in a position opposite from a portion of the bearing surface 104 in the vicinity of either one of the pair of fixedly positioned engaging pins 114 a and 114 b (shown) and spaced away from the computer bearing surface 104 by several inches. The anvil 418 is formed with an arcuate support surface 426 that is curved in a convex shape covering an extended arc having a substantially smooth face aligned generally with the longitudinal axis 422 of the elongated support arm 388 and facing toward the front face 172 of the body 102 a such that the hard shell backing portion 9 b of the display unit 9 is supported in an upright position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2 by resting against the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418, as illustrated herein.

The separate substantially rigid jaw 420 includes a first proximate barrel-shaped knuckle portion 428 that is projected inward of a substantially rigid finger 430. The knuckle portion 428 of the jaw 420 is coupled to the anvil 418 adjacent to a heal portion 432 thereof proximate to the end portion 416 of the support arm 388. The knuckle portion 428 spaces the rigid finger 430 away from the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 by a variable short distance 434 that is adjustably configured to permit the flat display unit 9 of the computer 1 to fit therebetween. The short distance 434 by which the finger 430 is spaced away from the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 is adjustable to accept therebetween different thicknesses t of flat display units 9 of different computers 1 (illustrated in FIG. 1). The short distance 434 is also variable as discussed herein to permit the flat display units 9 to rotate to different orientations with the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2, while remaining constrained against the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 by the jaw 420.

Furthermore, an integral hard nub or button 436 (more clearly shown in one or more subsequent figures) is optionally projected slightly from an inward facing surface 438 of the rigid finger 430 adjacent to a second end 440 thereof distal from the first proximate knuckle portion 428 thereof. The jaw 420 is thus positioned in a pinching relationship to the anvil 418 such as to capture the display unit 9 between the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 and the nub 436 projected from the distal end 440 of the rigid finger 430. Thus, the display screen surface portion 9 a of the display unit 9 is supported in an upright position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2 by the rigid jaw 420, as illustrated herein. Accordingly, the display unit 9 of the computer 1 is constrained from falling backward away from the keyboard 7 by the anvil 418, and is simultaneously constrained from falling forward toward the keyboard 7 by the jaw 420.

The display unit clamping mechanism 414 also includes a variable pressure resilient biasing mechanism 442 (detailed in a subsequent figure) that resiliently biases the jaw 420 toward the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 in the pinching relationship described herein. By example and without limitation, the biasing mechanism 442 automatically varies the spacing distance 434 to accommodate the varying cross-sectional thickness of the display unit 9 of the computer 1 of the prior art as the display unit 9 is rotated relative to the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2 about its hinge axis h into different upright positions at the back of the keyboard 7.

FIG. 40 illustrates the novel display unit support 142 of the novel docking station in a stored position having the support arm 388 rotated about the pivot axis 392 toward the bearing surface 104 of the upper body portion 102 a, and the anvil 418 is nested in the edge recess 139. The edge recess 139 is sized such that the anvil 418 is nested below the bearing surface 104 so as not to interfere with seating of the computer 1. The knob 408 may be tightened to secure the support arm 388 in the stored position.

FIG. 41 is a side view that illustrates the jaw 420 of the display unit support 142 of the novel docking station being rotated about a drive axis 444 of the biasing mechanism 442 into substantial alignment with the support arm 388 during storing of the display unit support 142. When rotated into this rest position, the jaw 420 does not interfere with nesting of the anvil 418 in the edge recess 139.

FIG. 42 illustrates the novel docking station 100 with the novel display unit support 142 in an active position having the support arm 388 rotated about the pivot axis 392 with the display unit clamping mechanism 414 supporting the display unit 9 in an open upright position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2. Accordingly, the anvil 418 is positioned supporting the hard shell backing portion 9 b of the display unit 9. Here, the jaw 420 is illustrated as being rotated about the drive axis 444 into substantial alignment with the support arm 388. Accordingly, the jaw 420 does not interfere with closing the display unit 9 over the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2. The knob 408 may be tightened to secure the support arm 388 in the active position.

FIG. 43 illustrates the novel docking station 100 with the novel display unit support 142 in an active position having the support arm 388 rotated about the pivot axis 392 with the display unit clamping mechanism 414 supporting the display unit 9 in an open upright position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2. Here, the anvil 418 is positioned supporting the hard shell backing portion 9 b of the display unit 9. Furthermore, the jaw 420 is illustrated as being rotated into its active position supporting the display screen surface portion 9 a of the display unit 9 in the upright position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2. The display unit 9 is thus constrained in the upright position by the pincer action of the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418. As illustrated, the button 436 at the second end 440 of the inward facing surface 438 of the rigid finger 430 presses against the display screen surface portion 9 a of the display unit 9.

Furthermore, as illustrated here, the second end 440 of the rigid finger 430 extends sufficiently from the jaw 420 that the button 436 on the inward facing surface 438 thereof is extended over the hard shell lip portion 9 c of the display unit 9 onto the display screen 9 d. The rigid finger 430 thus wraps around the hard shell lip portion 9 c of the display unit 9, and the button 436 thus falls below the lip portion 9 c onto the display screen 9 d. Accordingly, the novel display unit clamping mechanism 414 is constrained from slipping laterally off of the lip portion 9 c and inadvertently releasing the display unit 9.

FIGS. 44 through 50 illustrate that the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 permits the backing portion 9 b of the display unit 9 to roll thereabout in smooth substantially constant contact during rotation relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2. Simultaneously therewith the rigid jaw 420 constrains the display unit 9 to follow rotations of the support arm 388 about the pivot axis 392. For example, the integral hard nub or button 436 on the tip 440 of the rigid finger 430 presses against the display screen 9 d and forces the display screen surface 9 a toward the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418.

FIG. 44 also illustrates the novel docking station 100 with the novel display unit support 142 in the active position of FIG. 43 having the support arm 388 rotated about the pivot axis 392 with the display unit clamping mechanism 414 supporting the display unit 9 in an open upright position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2. Here, the anvil 418 is positioned supporting the hard shell backing portion 9 b of the display unit 9, while the jaw 420 is positioned supporting the display screen surface portion 9 a. The display unit 9 is thus constrained in the upright position between the jaw 420 and the anvil 418.

FIG. 45 is a side view of the docking station 100 having the display unit support 142 in one active position, as illustrated in previous figures, having the support arm 388 rotated about the pivot axis 392 with the display unit clamping mechanism 414 supporting the display unit 9 in one open over-center position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2. In this active over-center position, the anvil 418 is positioned supporting the hard shell backing portion 9 b of the display unit 9. The jaw 420 is rotated into its active position supporting the display screen surface portion 9 a of the display unit 9 in the upright over-center position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2. The display unit 9 is thus constrained in the open over-center position by the pincer action of the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418.

FIG. 46 is an opposite side view of the display unit support 142 in the active position of FIG. 45 for constraining the display unit 9 in the open over-center position by the pincer action of the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418. Here, the knob 408 is tightened to secure the support arm 388 in the active over-center position.

FIG. 47 is a side view of the docking station 100 having the display unit support 142 in another active position having the support arm 388 rotated about the pivot axis 392 with the display unit clamping mechanism 414 supporting the display unit 9 in a substantially vertical upright position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2. In this active upright position, the anvil 418 is positioned supporting the hard shell backing portion 9 b of the display unit 9. The jaw 420 is rotated into its active position supporting the display screen surface portion 9 a of the display unit 9 in the upright position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2. The display unit 9 is thus constrained in the upright position by the pincer action of the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418.

FIG. 48 is an opposite side view of the display unit support 142 in the active position of FIG. 47 for constraining the display unit 9 in the substantially vertical upright position by the pincer action of the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418. Here, the knob 408 is tightened to secure the support arm 388 in the upright position.

FIG. 49 is a side view of the docking station 100 having the display unit support 142 in another active position having the support arm 388 rotated about the pivot axis 392 with the display unit clamping mechanism 414 supporting the display unit 9 in another open position having the display unit 9 in an extreme over-center upright position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2. In this active extreme over-center position, the anvil 418 is positioned supporting the hard shell backing portion 9 b of the display unit 9. The jaw 420 is rotated into its active position supporting the display screen surface portion 9 a of the display unit 9 in the extreme over-center open position relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2. The display unit 9 is thus constrained in the extreme over-center open position by the pincer action of the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418.

FIG. 50 is an opposite side view of the display unit support 142 in the active position of FIG. 49 for constraining the display unit 9 in the extreme over-center open position by the pincer action of the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418. Here, the knob 408 is tightened to secure the support arm 388 in the extreme over-center position.

FIG. 51 illustrates by example and without limitation the pivot mechanism 398 that constrains the support arm 388 to operate about the pivot axis 392 with the shoulder portion 402 abutting the body's hub portion 400. By example and without limitation, when the pivot axle 404 is a screw or bolt such as a shoulder bolt, it includes a first threaded end 450 that is sized to pass through one of the body's edge mounting holes 148 of the type described herein. The threaded end 450 of the screw or bolt type pivot axle 404 is threaded into the nut 406 installed in one of the nut pockets 346 of the type described herein, wherein the nut 406 is optionally a lock nut of the hex variety. Additionally, a shaft portion 452 of the screw or bolt type pivot axle 404 passes through a complementary rotational clearance bore 454 which is formed through the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388 and which is sized to rotate smoothly about the pivot axle shaft portion 452. The head portion 410 of the screw or bolt type pivot axle 404 distal from the body 102 is by example and without limitation constrained in a recessed nut pocket 456 formed in the knob or handle 408. The knob 408 constrains the head portion 410 of the pivot axle 404 for tightening and loosening of the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388 vis-á-vis the hub portion 400 of the body 102 by turning relative to the nut 406 in the nut pocket 346 of the body 102. Thus, the handle 408 on the head portion 410 of the pivot axle 404 operates against the outside face 412 of the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388 to compress an inside face 458 the shoulder portion 402 against an outside face 460 of the hub 400. Accordingly, friction between the inside face 458 the shoulder portion 402 against an outside face 460 of the hub 400 constrains the support arm 388 to remain in a selected rotational orientation with the upper body portion's bearing surface 104, whereby the display unit support 142 constrains the computer's flat display unit 9 in the selected rotational orientation. The rotational orientation of the support arm 388 of the display unit support 142 is thus infinitely adjustable relative to the upper body portion's bearing surface 104.

Alternative embodiments of the pivot mechanism 398 may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 52 illustrates by example and without limitation one alternative configuration of the pivot mechanism 398 wherein the head portion 410 of the screw or bolt type pivot axle 404 is constrained in the one of the body's nut pockets 346. The shaft portion 452 of the pivot axle 404 passes through the body's edge mounting holes 148 and extends through the complementary rotational clearance bore 454 which is formed through the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388. The threaded end 450 of the pivot axle 404 is threaded into a complementary threaded bore 462 in the knob 408, which is operable for tightening and loosening of the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388 vis-á-vis the hub portion 400 of the body 102 by turning relative to the pivot axle 404.

FIG. 53 illustrates by example and without limitation another alternative configuration of the pivot mechanism 398. For example, an optional resilient biasing mechanism 470 may be provided for biasing the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388 toward the face 460 on the hub portion 400 of the body 102. By example and without limitation, the optional resilient biasing mechanism 470 may be formed of a conventional compression spring 472 installed inside an enlarged counter-bore 474 formed in the shoulder portion 402 through an opening 476 in the outside face 412 of the shoulder portion 402. The spring portion 418 of the biasing mechanism 470 is constrained between a floor portion 478 of the counter-bore 420 and the head portion 410 of the screw or bolt type pivot axle 404. Optionally, a washer 480 may be inserted between the bolt head 410 and the compression spring 472. The spring portion 418 of the biasing mechanism 470 thus operates against the floor portion 478 of the counter-bore 474 to compress the inside face 458 of the shoulder portion 402 of the support arm 388 against the outside face 460 of the body's hub portion 400.

Alternative embodiments of the resilient biasing mechanism 470 may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Additionally, a ratcheting mechanism 482 is optionally provided for securing the support arm 388 in rotational relationship with the bearing surface 104 of the body portion 102 a. By example and without limitation, a first quantity of one or more teeth 484 are provided on the outside face 460 of the hub 400 portion of the body 102 in a variable intermeshing relationship with a quantity of one or more notches 486 formed on the inside face 458 the arm's shoulder portion 402. The intermeshing teeth 428 and notches 430 permit the arm to be secured in a desired rotational relationship with the body 102 for supporting the computer's display unit 9 in a desired discrete orientation relative to the docking station's computer bearing surface 104.

FIG. 54 illustrates by example and without limitation the novel display unit clamping mechanism 414 of the display unit support 142 of the novel docking station in an active configuration clamping the display unit 9 in an open position relative to the computer casing 2. The novel display unit clamping mechanism 414 is positioned adjacent to a second extreme support end portion 416 of the rigid support arm 388 opposite from the first pivot end portion 390. By example and without limitation, the display unit clamping mechanism 414 adjacent to the second support end portion 416 of the support arm 388 is a hand for constraining the display unit 9 relative to the support end portion 416 of the support arm 388. As discussed herein, by example and without limitation, the clamping mechanism 414 includes the substantially rigid anvil 418 that is integral with the elongated support arm 388. The anvil 418 is extended laterally to a longitudinal axis 422 of the support arm 388 with its end portion 424 being projected into space in a position above the bearing surface 104. The arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 is curved in the convex shape that covers an extended arc having a center of rotation 488 (best shown in one or more previous figures). The center of rotation 488 is oriented generally parallel with pivot axis 392 of the support arm 388, substantially lateral of the longitudinal axis 422, and substantially crosswise of the drive axis 444 of the biasing mechanism 442. The smooth arcuate support surface 426 is directed generally toward the front face 172 of the body 102 a for supporting the hard shell backing portion 9 b of the display unit 9.

The first proximate knuckle portion 428 of the separate jaw 420 is movably coupled to the anvil 418 adjacent to the heal portion 432 thereof. The finger portion 430 of the jaw 420 is thus spaced away from the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 by the variable short distance 434 that is adjustably configured to permit the flat display unit 9 of the computer 1 to fit therebetween. The short distance 434 by which the finger portion 430 of the jaw 420 is spaced away from the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 is adjustable to accept different thicknesses of flat display units 9 of different computers 1 therebetween. Furthermore, the integral hard nub or button 436 is optionally projected slightly from the inside surface 438 of the rigid finger 430 adjacent to its distal tip 440. The jaw 420 is thus positioned in a pinching relationship to the anvil 418 such as to capture the display unit 9 between the arcuate support surface 426 and the projected nub 436 on the tip 440 of the rigid finger 430. Thus, the display unit 9 is compressed against the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 by the hard nub 436 on the tip 440 of the rigid finger 430, as illustrated herein.

The display unit clamping mechanism 414 also includes the variable pressure resilient biasing mechanism 442 that resiliently biases the jaw 420 toward the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 to form the pinching relationship described herein. By example and without limitation, the biasing mechanism 442 automatically varies the spacing distance 434 to accommodate a varying cross-sectional thickness of the display unit 9 as it is rotated about its hinge axis h relative to the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2 into different upright positions at the back of the keyboard 7.

By example and without limitation, the biasing mechanism 442 is constructed along the longitudinal drive axis 444 that is oriented generally crosswise of both the longitudinal axis 422 of the support arm 388 and the center of rotation 488 of the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418. By example and without limitation, the biasing mechanism 442 includes a compression spring 490 recessed inside a tubular spring cavity 492 that is counter-bored in a barrel-shaped spring casing 494 of the heal portion 432 at the support end portion 416 of the rigid support arm 388. The tubular spring cavity 492 is substantially aligned along the longitudinal drive axis 444 of the biasing mechanism 442. The tubular spring cavity 492 has a full size input opening 496 at it outer end, and terminates in a floor portion 498 at its inner end. A smaller guide pin portion 500 of the heal portion 432 extends from the barrel-shaped cavity 494 along the longitudinal drive axis 444. The guide pin portion 500 of the heal portion 432 is formed therethrough with a tubular clearance bore 502 that communicates between the floor 498 of the tubular spring cavity 492 and an opening 504 at the clearance bore's outer tip 506. The tubular clearance bore 502 through the guide pin portion 500 is sized to complement a pivot axle 508 such as a screw or bolt.

The barrel-shaped knuckle portion 428 of the separate jaw 420 is projected inward of the inward facing surface 438 of the rigid finger 430 along the longitudinal drive axis 444 of the biasing mechanism 442. The barrel-shaped knuckle portion 428 is formed with a complementary tubular counter-bore 510 that is sized to slidingly receive the guide pin portion 500 of the support arm's heal portion 432 through an opening 512 in the end of the knuckle portion 428 distal from the rigid finger 430. The pivot axle 508 is projected substantially central of the tubular counter-bore 510 from a floor 514 thereof and along the longitudinal drive axis 444 of the biasing mechanism 442. By example and without limitation, an aperture or passage 516 is formed in the floor 514 of the tubular counter-bore 510 and communicates with an outward facing surface 518 of the rigid finger 430 opposite from the inward facing surface 438. When the pivot axle 508 is provided as a screw or bolt, the passage 516 is sized to receive a shaft portion 520 of the screw-type pivot axle 508, while the aperture 516 is sized to constrain a head portion 522 from passing.

When the tubular counter-bore 510 in the knuckle portion 428 of the jaw 420 is slidingly fit over the guide pin portion 500 projected from the support arm's heal portion 432, the passage 516 in the floor of the tubular counter-bore 510 is substantially aligned with the tubular clearance bore 502 in the guide pin 500. The shaft 520 of the pivot axle 508 is slidingly received through the passage 516, along the tubular clearance bore 502 in the guide pin portion 500 of the spring casing 494, and into the tubular spring cavity 492. The compression spring 490 is received over the pivot axle's shaft 520 and compressed in the tubular spring cavity 492 between the floor portion 498 at its inner end and a second end 524 of the pivot axle 508 opposite from its head 522. For example, a nut 526 and optional washer 528 are installed onto the threaded end of the pivot axle shaft 520.

Additionally, means are provided for securing the jaw 420 relative to the anvil 418 with the finger portion 430 positioned over the display screen surface 9 a of the display unit 9 opposite from the arcuate support surface 426. By example and without limitation, a detent mechanism 530 is provided between the guide pin portion 500 of the anvil 418 and the knuckle portion 428 of the jaw 420. The detent mechanism 530 may be formed by example and without limitation by one or more teeth 532 sized to slide into one or more slots 534 formed between the guide pin 500 and the knuckle portion 428 of the jaw 420.

As described, the variable pressure resilient biasing mechanism 442 of the display unit clamping mechanism 414 resiliently biases the jaw 420 toward the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 in the pinching relationship described herein. As will be generally well-understood, the cross-sectional thickness t of the display unit 9 increases and decreases as it is rotated into different orientations relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2, the cross-sectional thickness t varying between a minimum when the display unit 9 is in the substantially vertical upright position illustrated in FIG. 47, and a maximum when the display unit 9 is in the extreme over-center position illustrated in FIG. 49.

Accordingly, the biasing mechanism 442 floats the rigid finger 430 along the longitudinal drive axis 444 over the barrel-shaped portion 494 of the anvil 418. The biasing mechanism 442 thus permits the clamping mechanism 414 to accommodate the varying cross-sectional thickness t of the display unit 9 as it is rotated into different orientations relative to the keyboard 7 on the top face 2 b of the computer casing 2. As the display unit 9 rotates from the substantially vertical upright position illustrated in FIG. 47, the cross-sectional thickness t increases, and the display unit 9 exerts pressure on the biasing mechanism 442, which spreads the jaw portion 420 of the clamping mechanism 414 resiliently away from the anvil portion 418. However, the spring 490 exerts an opposite compression pressure that squeezes the rigid finger 430 of the jaw 420 against the display screen surface 9 a so that the display unit 9 is pressed against the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418. Similarly, when the display unit 9 is rotated from any non-vertical position, such as the extreme over-center position illustrated in FIG. 49, the spring 490 continues to exert the compression pressure that squeezes the rigid finger 430 of the jaw 420 against the display screen surface 9 a so that the display unit 9 is pressed against the arcuate support surface 426 of the anvil 418 even while the cross-sectional thickness t decreases.

Furthermore, as illustrated here, the second end 440 of the rigid finger 430 extends sufficiently from the jaw 420 that the button 436 on the inward facing surface 438 thereof is extended over the hard shell lip portion 9 c of the display unit 9 onto the display screen 9 d. As discussed elsewhere herein, the rigid finger 430 thus wraps around the hard shell lip portion 9 c of the display unit 9. The biasing mechanism 442 operating along the longitudinal drive axis 444 forces the button 436 below the lip portion 9 c and against the display screen 9 d. Accordingly, the biasing mechanism 442 operates the button 436 to constrain the novel display unit clamping mechanism 414 from slipping laterally off of the lip portion 9 c and inadvertently releasing the display unit 9.

FIG. 55 illustrates by example and without limitation the novel display unit clamping mechanism 414 of the display unit support 142 in a passive configuration wherein the hard shell backing portion 9 b of the display unit 9 is supported by the anvil 418 portion of the support arm 388 with the opposing jaw portion 420 in an open position relative to the display screen surface 9 a. Accordingly, the jaw 420 including the finger portion 430 is rotated away from the active position over the display screen surface 9 a. For example, the knuckle 428 is pulled away from the anvil 418 along the longitudinal drive axis 444 until the detent 530 disengages, i.e., until the teeth 532 slide free of the slots 534. The jaw portion 420 is rotated until the finger 430 clears the display unit 9. With the finger 430 in this passive configuration, the jaw 420 is freed and the compression spring 490 draws the knuckle 428 toward the anvil 418 along the longitudinal drive axis 444. The teeth 532 and slots 534 may be additionally configured to form the detent 530 between the between the guide pin portion 500 and the knuckle portion 428 for securing the jaw 420 in the passive configuration vis-á-vis the anvil 418.

Alternative embodiments of the display unit clamping mechanism 414 and biasing mechanism 442 may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Additional Novel Features

FIG. 56 illustrates the docking station 100 having the two-piece body 102 split along the line 103 of mutual contact into the upper body portion 102 a and lower body portion 102 b. The docking station 100 includes one or more circuit cards 600 substantially enclosed within the body 102 between the upper and lower body portions 102 a and 102 b. A wiring harness 602 electrically couples the circuit card or cards 600 to the electrical expansion connector 108 on the connector presentation surface 106 for connection to the computer's I/O connector 4. Another wiring harness 604 electrically couples the circuit card or cards 600 to others of the plurality of peripheral device connectors 136 a-136 n on the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b. For example, the wiring harness 604 may electrically couple the electrical expansion connector 108 through the circuit card or cards 600 to one or more of the external USB connections 136 d on the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138. Another wiring harness 606 may electrically couple the electrical expansion connector 108 substantially directly to any of the video display output 13 a, mouse connection 136 b, keyboard connection 136 c, external USB connection 136 d, external power supply connection 136 e, audio output 136 f, microphone input 136 g, modem 136 h, serial connections 136 j and 136 k, or parallel connection 136 m. By example and without limitation, one or more of the wiring harnesses 602,604 and 606 are provided as conventional flat electrical cables formed of thin, flexible wire that permit easy routing within the confines of the body 102.

The wiring harness 606 may also, for example, a cable portion that couples the electrical expansion connector 108 substantially directly to a conventional socket connector 608 structured for connection of a conventional Ethernet cable. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,773,332, “Adaptable Communications Connectors” issued to Glad on Jun. 30, 1998, which is incorporated herein by reference, the most popular Ethernet cable connector 608 is known in the art as the RJ-xx series of connectors. Of the RJ-xx series of socket connectors, the RJ-11, RJ-12, and RJ-45 socket connectors are widely used. The standard female RJ-45 socket connector is an eight conductor receptacle which connects directly to a conventional telephone communications line and provides the interfacing functions needed to directly attach to the telephone communications line for data transmission. Furthermore, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,724, “Combined Connector For Ethernet And Modem Cables” issued to Leung on Mar. 27, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference, a conventional male RJ-11 telephone communications line socket connector can be fit in the recess of the standard female RJ-45 socket connector 608, and establish up to six electrical pathways. It is therefore possible to use the standard female RJ-45 socket connector 608 for alternatively connecting both telephone and data signal devices which provides a dual functionality of accessing both telephone and data signals. Alternatively, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,773,332, which is incorporated herein by reference, the standard female RJ-45 electrical socket connector is optionally provided as a standard PCMCIA-type connector.

FIG. 57 illustrates one example of the circuit board 600 that may be used in the docking station 100. Here, the circuit board 600 is illustrated as being electrically coupled through the wiring harness 602 to the electrical expansion connector 108. The wiring harness 604 is illustrated by example and without limitation as electrically coupling the circuit card or cards 600 a plurality of the external USB connections 136 d. Electrical traces 610 on the circuit card 600 electrically couple the electrical expansion connector 108 substantially directly to one or more of the plurality of the external USB connections 136 d. Additional electrical traces 612 electrically couple the electrical expansion connector 108 substantially directly to one or more additional USB electrical socket connections 614 located internally of the docking station's body 102. By example and without limitation, the additional internal USB electrical socket connections 614 are optionally any conventional USB socket connection generally of the type described herein for the external USB socket connection 136 d, including but not limited to the USB socket connections disclosed in any of U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,156; U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,281; U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,395; U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,733; U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,375; U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,984; U.S. Pat. No. 6,939,168; U.S. Pat. No. 7,125,287; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,646, or another suitable USB socket connector may optionally be substituted for the additional internal USB electrical socket connections 614 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. By example and without limitation, the additional internal USB electrical socket connections 614 are mounted on the circuit card 600. However, other mounting locations for the internal USB electrical socket connections 614 internal of the docking station's body 102 are also contemplated and may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 58 schematically illustrates the internal circuit board 600 being electrically coupled through the wiring harness 602 to the electrical expansion connector 108. This electrical schematic also illustrates the circuit card or cards 600 being electrically coupled to a plurality of the external USB connections 136 d by the wiring harness 604. This electrical schematic also illustrates the wiring harness 606 for electrically coupling the electrical expansion connector 108 substantially directly to any of the video display output 13 a, mouse connection 136 b, keyboard connection 136 c, external USB socket connection 136 d, external power supply connection 136 e, audio output 136 f, microphone input 136 g, modem 136 h, serial connections 136 j and 136 k, or parallel connection 136 m. By example and without limitation, the wiring harness 606 includes a telephone communications line for connecting both telephone and data signal devices to the standard female RJ-45 socket connector 608 for accessing both telephone and data signals, whereby the docking station 100 is Ethernet enabled by connection to a local area network (LAN) adapter. Provision of the standard female RJ-45 socket connector 608 also permits connection to other communications device such as a telephone, facsimile machine, or modem.

An internal power supply 616 is provided for adapting a 12V, 24V or other power source to the voltage appropriate to most laptop or notebook-type portable computers 1. The internal power supply 616 is electrically coupled to a female receptacle 618 of a type structured for receiving a standard male plug 620 of a power cord 622. The power supply 616 provides power to the electrical expansion connector 108 and to a other internal components of the docking station 100 by means of a power strip 624, for example, located on the circuit card 600. Therefore, the power source 622 is coupled through the mated coupler pair 618 and 620 to main power supply unit 616 to provide power for the computer 1 while the remote device receives power through the power strip 624 from main power supply unit 616 or another remote power supply unit coupled to a second power source. The docking station 100 optionally contains two types of logic: logic which can be powered down and logic which must be continually powered. Both types of logic are coupled to the main power supply unit 616 so that they draw power from the power source 622 when it is connected.

The circuit card 600 may optionally also include a USB “hub” 626 that provides attachment points for other USB devices, such as USB-compliant peripherals (commonly called “functions”) or additional hubs. Such USB hubs are disclosed, by example and without limitation, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,196, “Method And Apparatus Of Providing Power Management Using A Self-Powered Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device” issued to Flannery on Aug. 25, 1998, which is incorporated herein by reference, which discloses that a consortium of computer vendors provided a new type of bus structure to replace the serial peripheral bus. The Universal Serial Bus (USB) open-architecture standard specifies the USB “hub” devices that provide attachment points for other USB devices, such as USB-compliant peripherals (called “functions”) or additional hubs. Self-powered hubs and functions contain independent power supplies to power themselves, and self-powered hubs can also power any other devices attached to them. A “root” hub embedded in the computer routes data between the USB peripherals and the appropriate processing logic in the computer. The standard also defines USB software that works with current power management software to enable the suspending and resuming of devices attached to the Universal Serial Bus in response to the state of the computer. The combination of the computer, the standard operating system, the root hub, and the USB software is called a USB “host.”

Here, the USB hub device 626 is a remote device located external to the computer 1 but able to be coupled thereto through the wiring cable 602 and the electrical expansion connector 108. As disclosed, by example and without limitation, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,466,434, “Disk Assembly Incorporating Therein USB Connector And Computer Case Having Therein Same” issued to Tsai on Oct. 15, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference, USB hub device 626 can be operated only when it is energized by an external power source. U.S. Pat. No. 6,466,434 also teaches that the power supply in a computer case has limited power-supplying wires so that if the USB hub is to be additionally power-supplied, the system might be power-limited if the user adds additional peripheral devices or functions, such as a hard disk drive, a CD-ROM drive and/or a CD-Recorder. Therefore, the USB hub 626 is coupled to receive power through the power strip 624 from main power supply unit 616 or another remote power supply unit coupled to a second power source. Accordingly, external and internal peripheral devices coupled to the one or more external USB connections 136 d and the one or more additional internal USB connections 614, respectively, are coupled to the main power supply unit 616 so that they draw power from the power source 622 when it is connected.

The USB hub 626 optionally includes the one or more external USB connections 136 d as a USB port 628 placed at the outer periphery of the body 102, by example and without limitation, in an interface panel exposed from the back of the peripheral device connector presentation surface 138 of the lower body portion 102 b in easy reach of the computer user. Furthermore, an electrical connector 630 for the USB port 628 is also typically provided at the outer periphery of the body 102 and a peripheral device can connect through the docking station 100 to personal computer 1 by connecting a suitable connector with the connector 630. Here, a peripheral component 631 is illustrated being external to the docking station's body 102 and connected to the USB hub 626 through one of the one or more external USB connections 136 d by connection into the electrical connector 630 of a standard USB cable 660 generally of the type disclosed by example and without limitation in U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,238, “Folding USB Flash Memory Device For Providing Memory Storage Capacity” issued to Hong on Oct. 17, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The USB hub 626 optionally includes the one or more additional internal USB connections 614 as one or more USB ports 628 mounted on the circuit card 600, each having a suitable electrical connector 630.

USB hub device 626 includes a USB hub control circuit or “controller” 632 for controlling and managing USB transmissions. The USB hub control circuit 632 determines the intended destination of a USB signal received through the electrical expansion connector 108 an sends the signal to the intended downstream circuit. Any USB function, such as a keyboard or mouse, which is also coupled to the USB through the remote hub 626, provides input data to the computer 1. The USB hub control circuit 632 intercepts such input data signals and determines their intended destination. The USB hub control circuit 632 receives such input USB data signals received through the one or more external USB connections 136 d and/or the one or more additional internal USB connections 614 and directs them to the computer 1 through electrical expansion connector 108 if so intended.

Optionally, the docking station 100 is Bluetooth enabled. Bluetooth wireless technology is now a well-known short-range communications technology intended to replace the cables connecting portable and/or fixed devices while maintaining high levels of security. The key features of Bluetooth technology are robustness, low power, and low cost. A Bluetooth specification adopted by industry defines a uniform structure for a wide range of devices to connect and communicate with each other. To date Bluetooth technology has achieved global acceptance such that any Bluetooth enabled device, almost everywhere in the world, can connect to other Bluetooth enabled devices in proximity. Bluetooth enabled electronic devices connect and communicate wirelessly through short-range, ad hoc networks known as piconets. Each device can simultaneously communicate with up to seven other devices within a single piconet. Each device can also belong to several piconets simultaneously. Piconets are established dynamically and automatically as Bluetooth enabled devices enter and leave radio proximity. Bluetooth wireless technology is the simple choice for convenient, wire-free, short-range communication between devices. It is a globally available standard that wirelessly connects mobile phones, portable computers, cars, stereo headsets, MP3 players, and more.

A fundamental Bluetooth wireless technology strength is the ability to simultaneously handle both data and voice transmissions. This enables users to enjoy variety of innovative solutions such as a hands-free headset for voice calls, printing and fax capabilities, and synchronizing PDA, laptop, and mobile phone applications to name a few.

Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range communications system intended to replace the cables connecting portable and/or fixed electronic devices. The key features of Bluetooth wireless technology are robustness, low power, and low cost. Many features of the core specification are optional, allowing product differentiation. The Bluetooth core system consists of an RF transceiver, baseband, and protocol stack. Bluetooth technology operates in the unlicensed industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band at 2.4 to 2.485 GHz, using a spread spectrum, frequency hopping, full-duplex signal at a nominal rate of 1600 hops/sec. During typical operation, a physical radio channel is shared by a group of devices that are synchronized to a common clock and frequency hopping pattern. One device provides the synchronization reference and is known as the master. All other devices are known as slaves. A group of devices synchronized in this fashion form a piconet. This is the fundamental form of communication for Bluetooth wireless technology.

The Bluetooth RF system employs a frequency hop transceiver to combat interference and fading, and provides many FHSS carriers. RF operation uses a shaped, binary frequency modulation to minimize transceiver complexity. Bluetooth technology includes an adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) capability designed to reduce interference between wireless technologies sharing the 2.4 GHz spectrum. AFH works within the spectrum to take advantage of the available frequency. This is done by detecting other devices in the spectrum and avoiding the frequencies they are using. This adaptive hopping allows for more efficient transmission within the spectrum, providing users with greater performance even if using other technologies along with Bluetooth technology. The signal hops among 79 frequencies at 1 MHz intervals to give a high degree of interference immunity.

As disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,650,549, “Hub Having A Bluetooth System” issued to Chiao on Nov. 18, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference, a Bluetooth system module has a wireless signal transmission capability that is capable of performing a signal communication with any electronic device having a Bluetooth system module within a predetermined range, thereby reducing the number of cables disposed on a desk. By utilizing the Bluetooth system module, it is possible of overcoming drawback of prior art cable connected systems such as many cables of peripherals coupled to the computer and randomly disposed on a desk.

Here, as illustrated in FIG. 57, the docking station 100 includes a Bluetooth wireless technology short-range communications system module 634 disposed, by example and without limitation, on the circuit card 600. By example and without limitation, the Bluetooth system module 634 includes a wireless signal transceiver 636 coupled to an antenna 638 and a CODEC (coder/decoder) 640.

By example and without limitation, the Bluetooth system module 634 is provided on another circuit board 642 which has a connection section 644 which is coupled to the circuit card 600 through another connection section 646. When the Bluetooth system module 634 is malfunctioned, a user can remove the malfunctioned Bluetooth system module 634 prior to mounting a new Bluetooth system 634 on the circuit board 600. Hence, a maintenance is made easy and convenient.

The Bluetooth system module 634 is connectable through the circuit board 600 and the wiring harness 602 to the electrical expansion connector 108, which is in turn connectable to the I/O connector or port 4 of the portable computer 1. The Bluetooth system module 634 is capable of performing a wireless signal communication with at least one peripheral electronic device 648 having a Bluetooth system module 650 and positioned within a predetermined range. As a result, wireless and cable based mini networks are formed within a predetermined range by the Bluetooth system module 634 at the same time. Further, the portable computer 1 is connectable to the peripheral electronic device 648 due to the provision of the Bluetooth system module 634 on the circuit card 600. This can reduce the number of cables required to communicate with multiple peripheral devices 648.

As disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,650,549, which is incorporated herein by reference, a number of well known processing steps are performed regarding a USB signal received at the Bluetooth system module 634 by a Bluetooth system control circuit 652. Thus a detailed description thereof is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

The process of sending data from the computer 1 to the peripheral electronic device 648 by the Bluetooth system module 634 in between includes sending the received USB signal sent by the from the computer 1 to the USB hub device 626; and determining by the USB hub control circuit 632 whether the USB signal is intended for sending to the peripheral electronic device 648. If yes, sending the received USB signal to the hub control circuit 652 of the Bluetooth system module 634; in the hub control circuit 652 determining whether the received USB signal is intended for sending to the peripheral Bluetooth system module 650 matched with the Bluetooth system module 634, passing the USB signal to the CODEC 640 which converts the USB signal into a Bluetooth system signal, and the Bluetooth signal is transmitted from the wireless signal transceiver 636 prior to ending the process. Otherwise, the USB signal is treated by the USB hub control circuit 632 in accordance with a normal procedure regarding the USB signal.

The process of sending data from the peripheral electronic device 648 to the docked computer 1 includes the wireless signal transceiver 636 of the Bluetooth system module 634 receiving the Bluetooth system signal from the Bluetooth system module 650 of the peripheral electronic device 648; the CODEC 640 converting the Bluetooth system signal into a USB signal; processing the USB signal in the hub control circuit 652; and sending the processed USB signal to the USB hub device 626 where the USB hub control circuit 632 processes the received USB signal in accordance with a normal procedure regarding received USB signals and sends the USB signal to an appropriate destination, for example the docked computer 1, for further processing.

Optionally, the docking station 100 includes an internal hard drive 654 electrically coupled through the electrical expansion connector 108 for access by the docked computer 1. While adding memory in a desktop computer is relatively inexpensive, adding memory in the portable computer 1 is currently very expensive. Many different kinds of memories are available. In particular, a portable external hard drive is available to the market to work with the hard drive built in the computer 1, which dramatically increases the memory storage space available to the user. As disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,639,791, “Portable External Hard Drive” issued to Su on Oct. 28, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference, a conventional portable external hard drive has a memory with large storage space in a casing with a USB (universal series bus) transmission interface and a USB connector extended out from one end of the casing. With such an arrangement, the user is able to read and write information to and from a connected computer by means of the USB transmission interface. A cap is provided to connect to the casing to cover the extended USB connector for safely transporting the hard drive. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,639,791 discloses a portable external hard drive having a memory module that is detachably connected to a circuit board contained within the body of the hard drive so that the user is able to replace the memory module when necessary. The USB connector permits the internal hard drive 654 to be coupled through one of the internal USB connections 614 to the USB hub device 626 where the USB hub control circuit 632 can process the USB signal in accordance with a normal procedure. The internal hard drive device 654 is thereby effectively coupled through the electrical expansion connector 108 for access by the docked computer 1.

Alternatively, the internal hard drive 654 is a high speed compact disk read only memory (ROM) drive. By example and without limitation, the internal hard drive 654 is optionally generally of the type disclosed by example and without limitation in U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,461, “High Speed Optical Disk Drive Caching Executable And Non-Executable Data” issued to Stephens on Jul. 28, 1998, which is incorporated herein by reference, which discloses a high speed compact disk read only memory drive in which a local storage device containing an optical disk drive, a fast local storage device and RAM are all coupled to controller circuitry. The controller circuitry is coupled to interface circuitry which may be coupled to the bus of an ordinary computer system, such as docked portable computer 1. The data storage device behaves and responds similar to an ordinary CD-ROM, DVD or hard disk drive to the coupled computer system 1. The RAM of the data storage device is configured to store directory information and the local storage device is configured to store executable files from the optical disk drive and cache non-executable data. Non-executable data is replaced in the local storage device in accordance with a least recently used algorithm. Information requests from the coupled computer system 1 are read directly from the RAM or the local storage device as requested.

Many types of computer memory are generally available. Conventional data storage devices generally fall into two categories. The first category is electronic, solid-state memory devices such as read only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). These memory devices are generally fixed within a computer. They are not intended to be removable or portable so that they may be used on different computers to permit the transfer of data from one computer to another computer.

The second category is surface-based data storage devices in which data is stored, typically, on the surface of a disk or tape. Examples of surface storage devices are magnetic disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and USB disks coupled externally to the computer through a mechanical drive mechanism to be installed in, or coupled to, the computer. Accordingly, the magnetic disks or CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs are removable and portable.

The USB disk includes a flash memory device therein to store real-time data, voice, and audio and video data. An example of the USB disk is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,354, “Architecture For A Universal Serial Bus-Based PC Flash Disk” issued to Ban, et al. on Nov. 14, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference, which shows a computer host system having a USB flash memory device. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,354, a memory storage unit made of flash array and a USB controller, is implemented to be compatible with then USB specification. The memory storage unit includes flash memory modules which can accept write commands and read commands and are erasable and non-volatile. The USB/flash controller is configured to provide USB functionality and compatibility alone with common flash operations such as programming reading and erasing the device components.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,238, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a flash memory system having a host platform for operating a non-volatile USB flash memory storage device. The host platform is connected to a USB flash memory device through a USB cable and is connected to the USB cable through a USB host connector. The USB flash memory device is connected to the USB cable through a USB flash device connector. The host platform includes a USB host controller for controlling and managing USB transmission on a USB bus. The USB flash memory device includes a USB flash memory device controller for controlling the USB flash memory device and for managing the interface with the USB flash memory device and USB bus, the USB flash memory device connector, and at least one flash memory module. The flash memory module includes a flash memory module array in which data is stored. When the USB flash memory device is coupled to the host platform, a standard USB process is established. During the USB process, the host platform configures the arrangement of the USB flash memory device and the data transfer mode with the USB flash memory device. During the course of the configuration, the host platform determines the overall storage capacity of the USB flash memory device and determines the remaining, unused, capacity. In this manner, information related to the storage capacity of the USB flash memory device is determined by directly connecting the USB flash memory device to the USB host connector of the host platform.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,984, “Slim USB Connector With Spring-Engaging Depressions, Stabilizing Dividers And Wider End Rails For Flash-Memory Drive” issued to Lee, et al. on Feb. 15, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference, which discloses enable small, portable flash memory cards with vast capacities as electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) chips storing 128 M-Bytes or more that have been designed that have a connector that can plug into a specialized reader, such as for compact-flash, secure-digital, memory stick, or other standardized formats. More recently, flash memory cards contain a USB connector so as to not require a specialized reader but capable of be plugged into a USB connector on a personal computer (PC). These USB-flash memory cards can be used in place of floppy disks and can have a capacity of more than ten floppy disks in an area not much larger than a large postage stamp. Known flash-memory cards include memory chip that may be a 128 Mega-byte non-volatile chip or may have some other capacity, a flash-memory controller chip generates signals to access memory locations within flash memory chip and also contains a USB interface controller that serially transfers data to and from flash memory chip over a USB connection. A USB connector may be mounted on a small circuit board with the flash memory chip and controller chip mounted thereon, and a plastic case can surround the small circuit board. The USB connector contains a small connector substrate having four or more metal contacts that carry the USB signals generated or received by controller chip, the USB signals include power, ground, and serial differential data D+, D−. The USB connector contains a metal case that wraps around connector substrate. The USB connector of a USB disk flash memory device is a male connector, such as a type-A USB connector, and is structured to mate with a female USB connector, which can be an integral part of a PC, or can be connected by standard USB cable 660 generally of the type disclosed by example and without limitation in U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,238, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Here, one or more USB disk flash memory device 656 is optionally mounted internally of the body 102 of the docking station 100. By example and without limitation the USB disk flash memory device 656 is optionally a USB flash memory device generally of the type disclosed in any of U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,354; U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,238; U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,984, which are incorporated herein by reference, or another suitable USB flash memory device. For example, the USB disk flash memory device 656 is optionally mounted on the circuit card 600 and coupled through a plug connector 657 into one of the internal USB socket connections 614 to the USB hub device 626 where the USB hub control circuit 632 can process the USB signal in accordance with a normal procedure. Optionally, the USB disk flash memory device 656 is mounted internally of the body 102 of the docking station 100 remotely from the circuit card 600 and coupled to one of the internal USB connections 614 through a standard USB cable 660, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,238, which is incorporated herein by reference. The USB disk flash memory device 656 is thereby effectively coupled through the electrical expansion connector 108 for access by the docked computer 1.

Optionally, the docking station 100 includes one or more additional internal memory storage devices mounted internally of the body 102 in addition to or in place of the USB disk flash memory device 656. By example and without limitation, the docking station 100 includes one or more internal optical disc drive memory storage devices 658 coupled through electrical expansion connector 108 for access by the docked computer 1. By example and without limitation, the internal optical disc drive 658 is a compact disc (CD) ROM drive generally of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,338, “Compact Disc Drive” issued to Leung on Dec. 16, 1997, which is incorporated herein by reference, or another suitable compact disc drive. By example and without limitation, when the internal optical disc drive 658 is a CD-ROM optical disc drive, the optical disc drive 658 is formed of a casing having a front slot, a tray for supporting a compact disc, the tray being slidable in and out through the slot, and an internal playing mechanism for reading data recorded on a compact disc supported by the tray. The internal compact optical disc drive 658 may use a spring to resiliently urge the tray out, and a spring-loaded latch may be provided for holding the tray closed against the action of the spring, automatically, when the tray is pushed closed, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,338. Other compact disc drive mechanisms are also known and may be substituted as the internal compact disc drive 658 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

An internal (digital versatile disk) DVD-ROM drive device may be included internally of the body 102 of the docking station 100 in addition to or in place of the CD-ROM drive for the internal optical disc drive 658 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. By example and without limitation, when internal optical disc drive 658 is a DVD-ROM drive, the internal optical disc drive 658 is optionally generally of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,130,253, “Disk DVD-ROM Drive Unit With A Playback Speed Control And Disk Drive Method” issued to Hosono on Oct. 31, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference, or another suitable compact DVD-ROM disk drive. By example and without limitation, when the internal optical disc drive 658 is a DVD-ROM disk drive, the optical disc drive 658 is formed of a disk drive unit for reproducing information recorded on a digital versatile disk (DVD). The DVD-ROM disk drive unit optionally includes a copyright management information reading unit for reading copyright management information from a predetermined location on a DVD loaded into the disk drive unit, a unit for determining whether or not protection exists for contents of the loaded DVD using the copyright management information read from the loaded DVD by the copyright management information reading unit, and a unit for controlling a playback speed of the loaded DVD when it is determined that the contents of the loaded DVD are protected.

Other DVD-ROM disc drive mechanisms are also known and may be substituted as the internal optical DVD-ROM disc drive 658 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. By example and without limitation, the internal DVD-ROM disc drive 658 is a DVD-Audio playback device generally of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,164, “DVD-Audio Playback Method And Playback Device” issued to Akita on Jun. 1, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference, or another suitable optical DVD-ROM disk drive. By example and without limitation, when the internal disc drive 658 is a DVD-ROM disk drive, the optical disc drive 658 is a DVD-Audio player having an automatic data selection setting unit which specifies the type of data to be output by an output data selection unit. The specified type of data is fed to a signal separation unit to be separated into audio data and video data. The separated audio data is output via an audio output unit to a speaker, and the separated video data is output via a video output unit to a monitor. Independent audio data is selected for output when the monitor is not connected, when the monitor is powered off, and when the monitor is being used for navigation or for receiving other inputs. Otherwise, audio data with video data is selected for output.

The internal optical disc drive 658 is optionally any of a CD-ROM optical disc drive, a DVD-ROM optical disc drive, a CD-RW optical disc drive, or an optical disc drive assembly built with a DVD-ROM disc drive and a CD-RW disc drive, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. By example and without limitation, internal disc drive 658 is optionally a combination DVD-ROM and CD-RW optical disc drive. Alternatively, the internal optical disc drive 658 is optionally a combination CD-ROM/DVD optical disc drive mechanism. By example and without limitation, the internal optical disc drive 658 is optionally CD-ROM/DVD optical disc drive mechanism generally of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,208,506, “Space Saving CD-ROM/DVD Drive Mechanism Used With Electronic Devices” issued to Pao on Mar. 27, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference, or another suitable CD-ROM/DVD optical disc drive mechanism. By example and without limitation, when the internal disc drive 658 is a CD-ROM/DVD optical disc drive mechanism, the disc drive 658 includes an optical head and a spindle motor. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,208,506, most conventional CD-ROM/DVD optical disc drive mechanisms have a media tray for a user to place a media disc thereon, an optical head for reading the media disc and a spindle motor for turning the media disc. However, U.S. Pat. No. 6,208,506 discloses that, by eliminating the media tray, a space saving CD-ROM/DVD optical disc drive mechanism is created without the media tray, and thereby allows the electronic devices, such as handheld devices, mini notebook computers, etc., to be equipped with CD-ROM/DVD optical disc drives without increasing the size of the electronic devices.

An other combination DVD-ROM and CD-RW disc optical drive mechanism can be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. By example and without limitation, internal optical disc drive 658 is optionally a optionally an optical disc drive using either one of a DVD disc and a CD disc generally of the type disclosed, by example and without limitation, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,129, “Optical Disc Drive” issued to Maruyama, et al. on Nov. 5, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference, or another suitable optical disc drive. By example and without limitation, when the internal optical disc drive 658 is optionally an optical disc drive of a type capable of using either one of a DVD optical disc and a CD optical disc, the internal optical disc drive 658 is optionally an optical disc drive of a type having a first laser diode that emits a shorter wavelength beam, a second laser diode that emits a longer wavelength beam, an objective lens, and a driving unit that holds and rotates the optical disc, as disclosed by example and without limitation in U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,129. The optical axis of the objective lens is inclined relative to a normal to the optical disc. The first laser diode is located at a first position so that the coma, which is caused when the first laser beam is converged on a data recording surface of the DVD optical disc, is minimized, and the second laser diode is located at a second position so that the coma, which is caused when the second laser beam is converged on a data recording surface of a CD or a CD-R optical disc, is minimized. When data is recorded on the DVD or CD-R, the intensity of the laser beam emitted by the laser diode is modulated in accordance with the data to be recorded. When the data recorded on the optical disc is reproduced, the intensity of the laser beam emitted by the first laser diode or the second laser diode is maintained at a predetermined constant level, and the data is reproduced as an output signal to electrical expansion connector 108.

The internal optical disc drive 658 is mounted entirely internally of the body 102 of the docking station 100 remotely from the circuit card 600 and coupled to one of the internal USB connections 614 through a standard USB cable 660, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,238, which is incorporated herein by reference. The internal disc drive 658 is thereby effectively coupled through the electrical expansion connector 108 for access by the docked computer 1.

Alternatively, the internal optical disc drive 658 is mounted internally of the body 102 of the docking station 100 with a front slot 662 contiguous with one of the respective upper and lower side faces 152 and 154 of the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b, or one of the respective upper and lower front faces 172 (shown by example and without limitation) and 174. The internal optical disc drive 658 optionally includes a tray 664 for supporting a DVD or CD optical disc, the tray 664 being slidable in and out through the slot 662.

Optionally, the docking station 100 includes one or more additional internal memory storage devices mounted internally of the body 102 in addition to or in place of the USB disk flash memory device 656 and internal optical disc drive 658. By example and without limitation, the docking station 100 includes an internal magnetic floppy disc drive device 666 coupled through the electrical expansion connector 108 for access by the docked computer 1. By example and without limitation, the internal magnetic floppy disc drive 666 is optionally generally of the type disclosed by example and without limitation in U.S. Pat. No. 6,710,961, “Floppy Disc Drive Apparatus” issued to Fujishima, et al. on Mar. 23, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference, which discloses a floppy disc drive apparatus having a spindle motor, a magnetic head, a drive mechanism, a mechanism controller, a floppy disc controller, and a universal serial bus interface. The spindle motor rotatably drives a floppy disc at a rotational speed of 600 rpm or more. The magnetic head reads and records data on the floppy disc. The drive mechanism has an actuator that scans the magnetic head in a radial direction of the floppy disc. The mechanism controller controls the drive mechanism to thereby reproduce and record specified data on the floppy disc. The floppy disc controller transfers and receives data to and from the mechanism controller at a transfer rate of 1 Mbit/s or greater. The USB interface allows the floppy disc controller to transfer and receive data to and from an external apparatus at a transfer rate of 1 Mbit/s or greater.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,710,961, a floppy disc drive apparatus for driving a 3.5 inch floppy disc requires a spindle motor that rotatably drives the floppy disc, a magnetic head that reproduces and records data on the magnetic floppy disc, a drive mechanism having an actuator that scans the magnetic head in a radial direction of the floppy disc, a mechanism controller that controls the drive mechanism to thereby reproduce and record specified data on the floppy disc, and a floppy disc controller that transfers and receives data to and from the mechanism controller.

A floppy disc controller is installed inside a main control apparatus such as a computer that controls an independent floppy disc drive apparatus. A drive mechanism that drives a floppy disc and a floppy disc mechanism controller (referred to as “mechanism controller) that controls the drive mechanism are mounted on the floppy disc drive. Therefore, data that is to be recorded on or read from the floppy disc by the magnetic head is transferred between the mechanism controller that is installed in the floppy disc drive apparatus and the floppy disc controller that is installed in the computer through a general purpose interface at, a transfer rate of 500 kbit/s. The computer and the floppy disc drive apparatus are also connected by the general purpose interface with pins or pins to transfer various signals for controlling the mechanism, in addition to data that is to be recorded on or reproduced from the floppy disc.

In recent years, magnetic floppy disc drive apparatuses have been connected to controller apparatuses through USB connectors. A typical USB type floppy disc drive apparatus includes a drive mechanism, a mechanism controller and a floppy disc controller that are mounted inside the floppy disc drive apparatus. The USB type floppy disc drive apparatus can transfer and receive data to and from an external apparatus, a computer, through a USB interface at a relatively high data transfer rate.

Accordingly, the internal magnetic floppy disc drive device 666 is a conventional general-use type magnetic floppy disc drive apparatus that is connectable to bus types other than a USB bus can be modified in order to make the conventional general-use type floppy disc drive apparatus connectable to a USB bus. For example, a floppy disc controller and a USB interface can be added in the floppy disc drive apparatus to form the internal magnetic floppy disc drive 666 as a USB connectable floppy disc drive apparatus, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,710,961. Accordingly, the internal magnetic floppy disc drive 666 is constructed in a manner that floppy discs are interchangeable between the floppy disc drive apparatus and the conventional general-use type floppy disc drive apparatus. In other words, while the USB connectable magnetic floppy disc drive apparatus 666 is connectable to a USB, data is transferred between the mechanism controller and the floppy disc controller at a data transfer rate of 500 kbit/s in order to maintain the interchangeability. As a result, the conventional USB connectable magnetic floppy disc drive apparatus 666 transfers and receives data to and from an external apparatus, such as, a computer apparatus through a USB interface at a data transfer rate of 500 kbit/s.

One option for the internal magnetic floppy disc drive device 666 is optionally generally of the modular floppy disk drive type that is designed to stand alone as an external drive, as disclosed by example and without limitation in U.S. Pat. No. 6,456,491, “Modular Floppy Disk Drive For Internal And External Use” issued to Flannery, et al. on Sep. 24, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference, which discloses a modular floppy disk drive designed to stand alone as an external drive or to be combined with a carrier to fit into a computer peripheral option bay configured for removable CD-ROM drives. The internal magnetic floppy disc drive 666 is, for example, a standard slimline 3.5″ unit, similar to model MD2661 from Canon Electronics, Inc., which is encased in a hard plastic shell to protect it from contaminants and damage when transported or used as an external drive. U.S. Pat. No. 6,456,491 discloses that, when used as an external floppy disk drive, the modular unit is connected to the personal computer through an adaptor connector and cable assembly 668. The carrier adapts the modular drive to the size and mechanical requirements of the peripheral option bay so that the modular unit can be inserted into the computer and used as internal magnetic floppy disk drive 666.

Alternatively, the internal magnetic floppy disc drive device 666 is mounted internally of the body 102 of the docking station 100 with a front slot 670 contiguous with one of the respective upper and lower side faces 152 and 154 of the upper and lower body portions 102 a, 102 b, or one of the respective upper and lower front faces 172 (shown by example and without limitation) and 174. The internal magnetic floppy disc drive 666 optionally includes a tray 672 for supporting a floppy disc, the tray 672 being slidable in and out through the slot 670.

Optionally, the docking station 100 includes an internal digital computer 674 coupled to receive power through the power strip 624 from main power supply unit 616 or another remote power supply unit coupled to a second power source.

It is generally well-known to provide a computer docking system having means for connecting a portable computer thereto, and means for allowing a microprocessor in the docking station to talk to underlying software in the central processing unit (CPU) of the portable computer, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,974, “Computer Docking System With Means For Allowing A Microprocessor In A Docking Station To Talk To A Central Processing Unit In A Docked Portable Computer” issued to Watts, Jr., et al. on May 6, 1997, which is incorporated herein by reference, which discloses a microprocessor in the docking station and means for allowing the microprocessor to set up and dose Windows applications, close DOS applications, and close files operated on the CPU of the portable computer. U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,974 discloses a desktop docking station having a slot for receiving a portable computer. The docking station system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,974 includes a full size monitor, a mouse, a full size keyboard, and further may include, for example a LAN connection. A portable computer is powered down and loaded into docking station where plastic posts or pins on a tray of docking station are fully insert into holes in the bottom of the docked portable computer. A user of the docking station disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,974 depresses load/eject switch or button and the portable computer is driven by the docking station into its enabling position such that the portable computer is hooked up to the full size monitor, which is a CRT display, the full-size keyboard, a power supply, a LAN network, as well as any mouse connection, through its connections to docking station. The user may then depress standby/on power key and indicator to turn power on to the docking station system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,974.

Here, by example and without limitation, a block diagram is illustrated of a simplified personal computer suitable for use as the internal digital computer 674. By example and without limitation, the internal digital computer 674 includes a microprocessor 676 for executing software instructions. The microprocessor 676 is connected to a system bus 678. Also connected to the system bus 678 is a memory bus 680 having both a random access memory (RAM) 682 and a read only memory (ROM) 684 connected thereto. The memory bus 680 is used by the microprocessor 676 to access the RAM 682 and the ROM 684. The RAM 682 is used by the microprocessor 676 as a general storage area and as scratch-pad memory, and can also be used to store input data and processed data. The ROM 684 can be used to store instructions or program code followed by the microprocessor 676 as well as other data. A USB host controller 686 is also connected to the system bus 678. The USB host controller 686 operates to control and manage the operation of a USB bus. A USB host controller 686 is coupled to a USB I/O port 688 of the personal computer 674. The USB I/O port 688 couples to the USB host controller 686 through a USB bus link 690. The USB bus link 690 represents the portion of the USB bus that is internal to the personal computer 674. A connector 692 for the USB I/O port 688 is provided at the outer periphery of the housing for the digital computer system 674. A short interface cable 694 with a suitable connector at one end is used to connect to the USB I/O port 688 of digital computer 674 through the connector 692.

The digital computer system 674 can be implemented using various different computer systems. The computer systems are normally general purpose machines, but could also be specialized machines. The microprocessor 676 is a general purpose digital processor which controls the operation of the internal digital computer system 674. The microprocessor 676 can be a single-chip processor or can be implemented with multiple components. Using instructions retrieved from memory, the microprocessor 676 controls the reception and manipulation of input data and the output and display of data on output devices. According to the novel docking station a particular function of microprocessor 676 provides management and control the USB host controller 686 and the USB bus link 690 coupled thereto. The USB host controller 686 can be implemented in a combination of hardware, firmware or software.

Here, the USB hub device 626 operates as a peripheral bus to access the input, output, and storage devices used by the internal digital computer 674, including the internal hard disk drive 654, internal flash memory device 656, internal optical disc drive device 658 and/or internal magnetic floppy disk drive device 666. By connecting the USB hub device 626 to the USB bus port 688, the one or more USB devices (peripheral devices or USB hubs) are able to connect to the digital computer 674 by connecting to the USB bus link 690. Similarly, other devices such the network interface connection are able to be connected to the USB bus link 690 to send and receive data over a network connected to other computer systems.

The USB bus link 690 is also used to receive input from keyboard 7 of docked computer 1 and send decoded symbols for each pressed key to microprocessor 676. The microprocessor 676 outputs a video signal from the computer system 674 over USB bus link 690 for displaying images on the display screen surface 9 a of the docked computer's display unit 9.

Optionally, the docking station 100 is enabled for high-speed wireless data communication between computers using an infrared signal or a high frequency signal, for example, for example with other computers in a LAN (local area network) or over the World Wide Web or Internet when a wireless service provider is available. By example and without limitation, the docking station 100 is enabled for high-speed wireless data communication by means of a wireless LAN card 696 internally mounted within the two-piece body 102 and effectively coupled through the electrical expansion connector 108 for access by the docked computer 1. By example and without limitation, the wireless LAN card 696 is optionally generally of the type disclosed by example and without limitation in U.S. Pat. No. 7,177,299, “Wireless Communications Apparatus, Methods And Computer Program Products Using Broadcast Control Channel Messaging” issued to Diachina, et al. on Feb. 13, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. By example and without limitation, the wireless LAN card 696 includes an antenna 698 structured for receiving and transmitting a RF signal and coupled to a wireless signal transceiver 700, and a controller 702 coupled to the transceiver 700, which causes the wireless LAN card 696 to operate in response to signals received either through the antenna 698 or the docked computer 1 through the electrical expansion connector 108.

By example and without limitation, the wireless LAN card 696 is mounted on the circuit card 600 and coupled to the electrical expansion connector 108 through the USB hub device 626. By example and without limitation, the wireless LAN card 696 is includes a radio transceiver fully integrated on a single semiconductor chip and capable of data connections with an Internet-connected base station using the IEEE-802.11a Specification which is an industry networking standard that defines protocols for two types of networks, ad-hoc and client/server networks. An ad-hoc network is a simple network where communications are established between multiple stations in a given coverage area without the use of an access point or server. Thus, the wireless LAN card 696 is optionally generally of the type disclose by example and without limitation in any of U.S. Pat. No. 7,164,651, “Wireless Computer Network Including A Mobile Appliance Containing A Single Chip Transceiver” issued to Weste, et al. on Jan. 16, 2007, U.S. Pat. No. 7,061,855, “wireless computer network including a mobile appliance containing a single chip transceiver” issued to Weste, et al. on Jun. 13, 2006, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,944,121, “Wireless Computer Network Including A Mobile Appliance Containing A Single Chip Transceiver” issued to Weste, et al. on Sep. 13, 2005, which are all incorporated herein by reference.

By example and without limitation, the internal wireless LAN card 696 is optionally a PCI (peripheral component interconnect) LAN card generally of the type disclosed by example and without limitation in U.S. Pat. No. 6,985,354, “Portable Computer Mounted With Wireless LAN Card” issued to Yang, et al. on Jan. 10, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference, which discloses both a standard PCI LAN card and a mini PCI wireless LAN card mounted in a PCI slot part provided in the main board of a portable computer. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,985,354, when the wireless LAN card 696 is a standard PCI wireless LAN card 696, the RF antenna is mounted on the wireless LAN card 696. Alternatively, as also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,985,354, when the wireless LAN card 696 is a mini PCI wireless LAN card, the antenna is mounted on the PCI slot part into which the wireless LAN card 696 is installed. Accordingly, the PCI wireless LAN card 696 is optionally either a standard PCI LAN card or a mini PCI wireless LAN card without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Alternatively, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the wireless LAN card 696 is optionally provided with a USB connector for connecting to the USB hub device 626, and includes a USB interface electrically connected between the USB connector and the wireless LAN card 696 as disclosed by example and without limitation in U.S. Pat. No. 7,167,975, “Wireless Universal Serial Bus Link For A Computer System,” issued to Hamdi, et al. on Jan. 23, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, the USB wireless LAN card 696 is connected to the USB hub device 626.

Optionally, the docking station 100 also includes an internal Global Positioning System (GPS) engine 704 coupled to receive power through the power strip 624 from main power supply unit 616 or another remote power supply unit coupled to a second power source. GPS is a well-known position location technology provided by a constellation of low earth orbiting satellites that transmit signals in accordance with a highly accurate onboard clock. Signals received from four satellites by a receiver located on or near the surface of the earth are triangulated to provide a fix on location of the receiver, as disclosed by example and without limitation in U.S. Pat. No. 6,816,711, “GPS Equipped Mobile Phone With Single Shared Antenna” issued to Standke, et al. on Nov. 9, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference, which discloses a system sharing an antenna between is a cellular telephone communications circuit and a Global Positioning System circuit, wherein an antenna matching circuit incorporates a shunt SPST switch to shift the matching frequency between the cellular (or PCS) and GPS bands.

Here, by example and without limitation, the GPS engine 704 includes a conventional GPS function circuit 706 coupled through a receiver 708 to an antenna 710 designed to perform within specification at GPS operating frequencies. Optionally, the GPS engine 704 is coupled with a cellular telephone communications circuit 712, and the antenna 710 is designed to perform within specification at both GPS and cellular or PCS (Personal Communication System) frequencies and is shared by both the GPS function circuit 706 and cellular telephone communications circuit 712, as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,816,711.

Optionally, when both the GPS function circuit 706 and cellular telephone communications circuit 712 are combined in the GPS engine 704, the GPS engine 704 provides a function that permits the cellular phone circuit 712 to be used for emergency reports that performs GPS positioning from the GPS function circuit 706 by means of remote control from an emergency report center, and to transmit positional information to the emergency report center, as disclosed by example and without limitation in U.S. Pat. No. 7,127,229, “Emergency Report Cellular Phone, Cellular Connection Switching Method And GPS Positioning Method” issued to Baba, et al. on Oct. 24, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference, which discloses an emergency report cellular phone that, when an emergency report switch thereof is depressed, a call request is made to the emergency report center. The emergency report center transmits a response signal with the result that a call link is formed between the emergency report cellular phone and the emergency report center. Following completion of the telephone call, the emergency report center transmits a position recalculation command message, by means of a DTMF signal. The emergency report cellular phone, which has received this command message, performs GPS positioning and then converts latitudinal and longitudinal information to a DTMF signal before transmitting same to the emergency report center. As a result, even in a case where, in a time of emergency, a reporting party is unable to perform GPS positioning manually as a result of a poor physical condition, for example, since GPS positioning is possible by means of remote control, it is possible to rescue the reporting party in a rapid and reliable manner. Thus, when carried in a vehicle, such as an automobile, boat or airplane, the GPS engine 704 permits the user or good Samaritan passerby to alert the emergency report center in event of an accident or other emergency.

Alternatively, the antenna 710 is dedicated to the GPS function circuit 706 and is, by example and without limitation, specifically designed to perform within specification at GPS operating frequencies, as disclosed by example and without limitation in U.S. Pat. No. 6,952,602, “GPS receiving antenna for cellular phone” issued to Deng on Oct. 4, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference, which discloses an antenna designed so as to achieve the best capturing effect of the radio wave radiated from the GPS satellite.

While the preferred and additional alternative embodiments of the novel docking station have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the inventor makes the following claims. 

1. An external expanding apparatus operable with a portable computer of a type having a display unit having a display screen on an inner surface thereof and a hard shell backing surface opposite thereof and pivotally mounted on a substantially rigid casing having a pair of locating holes adjacent to opposite corners of a substantially planar bottom surface thereof, and an input/output (I/O) connector positioned on a back plane thereof with a pair of positioning apertures provided on opposite sides thereof, the external expanding apparatus comprising: a body portion adapted for mounting to an external support structure, the body portion having an inner surface substantially enclosing an interior space and having a bearing plate formed with a computer bearing surface on an outer face thereof and a guide mechanism on an inner face thereof opposite from the bearing surface, a computer receiver structure fixedly positioned adjacent to a first edge of the bearing surface and projected there above, and a passage through the bearing plate communicating between the inner and outer faces thereof and positioned between the first edge of the bearing surface and an opposite second edge thereof; a pair of engaging pins sized to be matingly received into the pair of locating holes in the bottom surface of the casing of the portable computer, the engaging pins being fixedly projected above the bearing surface at opposite corners thereof and adjacent to the rear edge thereof in positions for being matingly received into the pair of locating holes; a computer expansion connector structured to mate with the I/O connector of the computer; an expansion connector drive mechanism structured for moving the expansion connector relative to the bearing surface between a disengaged position spaced away from the bearing surface and an engaged position extended over the bearing surface, the expansion connector drive mechanism comprising a movable frame having an expansion connector seat that is structured for having the expansion connector mounted thereon and an edge portion having an opening therein, the movable frame being movably coupled to the apparatus body for moving the expansion connector seat relative to the bearing surface thereof; and an internal Universal Serial Bus (USB) socket connector positioned completely within the interior space of the body portion, the internal Universal Serial Bus socket connector being electrically coupled for communication with the computer expansion connector.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a Universal Serial Bus hub device positioned within the interior space of the body portion, the Universal Serial Bus hub device being electrically coupled for communication with the computer expansion connector, and the internal Universal Serial Bus socket connector being electrically coupled for communication with the computer expansion connector through the Universal Serial Bus hub device.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a wireless short-range communications system module positioned within the interior space of the body portion and being electrically coupled for communication with the computer expansion connector.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a hard drive device positioned within the interior space of the body portion and being electrically coupled for communication with the computer expansion connector.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a memory storage device positioned within the interior space of the body portion and being electrically coupled for communication with the computer expansion connector.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the memory storage device further comprises one of a flash memory device, an optical disc drive device, and a magnetic disc drive device.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the memory storage device further comprises an electrical plug connector structured to interface with the internal Universal Serial Bus socket connector and being interfaced therewith.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising each of a wireless short-range communications system module and a hard drive device positioned within the interior space of the body portion and each being electrically coupled for communication with the computer expansion connector.
 9. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an internal digital computer having a microprocessor structured for executing instructions and being connected to a system bus, a memory bus being connected to the system bus having both a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM) connected thereto for access by the microprocessor.
 10. An external expanding apparatus for expanding the function of a portable electronic device having a device body provided with an input/output (I/O) connector, the external expanding apparatus comprising: an apparatus body having a bearing surface on which the device body is to be placed, a connector presentation surface for opposing the device I/O connector of the device body placed on the bearing surface, a receiver structure positioned adjacent to a front portion of the bearing surface opposite from the connector presentation surface, and an interior cavity; an expansion connector connectable with the device I/O connector; one or more electrical connectors being electrically coupled to the expansion connector and presented on an exterior surface of the apparatus body, at least one of the one or more electrical connectors being adapted for receiving a Universal Serial Bus connector; one or more electrical connectors being electrically coupled to the expansion connector and being substantially contained within the interior cavity of the apparatus body, at least one of the one or more electrical connectors being adapted for receiving a Universal Serial Bus connector; and a mounting structure that is structured to adapt the body portion for mounting to an external support structure.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a Universal Serial Bus hub device substantially contained within the interior cavity of the apparatus body and being electrically coupled to the expansion connector, and wherein at least one of the one or more electrical connectors substantially contained within the interior cavity of the apparatus body and being adapted for receiving a Universal Serial Bus connector further being electrically coupled to the Universal Serial Bus hub device.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein at least one of the electrical connectors presented on an exterior surface of the apparatus body and being adapted for receiving a Universal Serial Bus connector further being electrically coupled to the Universal Serial Bus hub device.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an internal memory storage device substantially contained within the interior cavity of the apparatus body and being electrically coupled to the expansion connector.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the internal memory storage device further comprises an internal hard drive contained within the interior cavity of the apparatus body and being electrically coupled to the expansion connector.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the internal memory storage device further comprises one or more of a magnetic floppy disc drive device, an optical disc drive device, and a flash memory device.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the optical disc drive device further comprises one of a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) drive device, a digital versatile disk read only memory (DVD-ROM) drive device, and a combination compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) and digital versatile disk read only memory (DVD-ROM) drive device.
 17. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an internal wireless short-range communications technology device substantially contained within the interior cavity of the apparatus body and being adapted for performing a wireless signal communication with at least one peripheral electronic device having an other internal wireless short-range communications technology device and being positioned within a predetermined range.
 18. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an internal digital computer substantially contained within the interior cavity of the apparatus body and being electrically coupled to the expansion connector.
 19. An external expanding apparatus operable with a portable computer device of a type having a display unit having a display screen on an inner surface thereof and a hard shell backing surface opposite thereof and pivotally mounted on a substantially rigid casing having a pair of locating holes adjacent to opposite corners of a substantially planar bottom surface thereof, and an input/output (I/O) connector positioned on a back plane thereof with a pair of positioning apertures provided on opposite sides thereof, the external expanding apparatus comprising: a substantially rigid closed body portion substantially enclosing an interior cavity there within and having a substantially rigid bearing plate formed with a substantially rectangular computer bearing surface on an outer face thereof on which the computer device body is to be placed and one or more guides on an inner face thereof opposite from the bearing surface, a connector presentation surface adjacent to the bearing surface along a rear edge thereof and having an opening formed therein projected above the bearing surface for opposing the device I/O connector of the computer device body placed on the bearing surface, a computer device receiver structure fixedly positioned adjacent to a front edge of the bearing surface and projected there above opposite from the connector presentation surface and having a jaw structure with an opening facing toward the connector presentation surface and structured to receive and mate with a front face of the computer device casing, a clearance hole through the bearing plate communicating between the inner and outer faces thereof and positioned between the front edge of the bearing surface and a rear edge thereof, and a peripheral device connector presentation surface having one or more peripheral device connectors; a pair of engaging pins sized to be matingly received into the pair of locating holes in the bottom surface of the casing of the portable computer device, the engaging pins being fixedly projected above the bearing surface at opposite corners thereof and adjacent to the rear edge thereof in positions for being matingly received into the pair of device locating holes; an expansion connector drive mechanism movable relative to the connector presentation surface; a computer expansion connector connectable with the I/O connector of the computer, the computer expansion connector being mounted on the expansion connector drive mechanism for motion relative to the connector presentation surface; a releasable safety catch operable between the expansion connector drive mechanism and the clearance hole through the bearing plate; a biasing mechanism coupled to the safety catch and structured for urging the safety catch toward the bearing plate; a mounting structure that is structured to adapt the body portion for mounting to an external support structure; a Universal Serial Bus hub device positioned within the interior cavity of the body portion, the Universal Serial Bus hub device being electrically coupled for communication with the computer expansion connector; and at least one internal Universal Serial Bus socket connector being electrically coupled for communication with the computer expansion connector through the Universal Serial Bus hub device.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a bluetooth system module positioned within the interior cavity of the body portion and being electrically coupled for communication with the computer expansion connector through the Universal Serial Bus hub device for performing a wireless signal communication with a corresponding second bluetooth module in at least one second electronic device situated within a predetermined range of the Universal Serial Bus hub device.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a hard drive device positioned within the interior cavity of the body portion and being electrically coupled for communication with the computer expansion connector through the Universal Serial Bus hub device.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a memory storage device positioned within the interior cavity of the body portion and being electrically coupled for communication with the computer expansion connector through the Universal Serial Bus hub device.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising an internal digital computer positioned within the interior cavity of the body portion and being electrically coupled for communication with the computer expansion connector through the Universal Serial Bus hub device, the internal digital computer having a microprocessor structured for executing instructions and being connected to a system bus, a memory bus being connected to the system bus having both a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM) connected thereto for access by the microprocessor. 